Minor lacerations are some of the most common complaints in hospital emergency departments. It's just a matter of time before you or someone you know, will accidentally cut themselves and begin to bleed. The trick is to know what to do, and know if they really need to call 911 or not. Most lacerations need early initial intervention in the field, before you get to the doctor. Read on for some tips on creating field dressings, and stopping bleeding.
Whether cut by an object, or simply falling on the ground, the first order of business is to control bleeding. A little bleeding isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it can help to push out dirt and bacteria. If the bleeding is pulse-like or streaming, in other words spurting out of the wound, then the wound is deep and immediate control of the loss of blood is important. A little bleeding isn't necessarily a bad thing, and it pushes out bacteria and foreign bodies that can cause an infection.
If you can, try to get out the bulk of the dirt and other foreign substances. Then apply direct pressure. You can use a clean cloth with an elastic wrap, or just have the patient hold a bunch of gauze firmly on the wound. This is the main treatment for the control of bleeding in any situation, and just about anywhere on the body.
Resist the temptaton to keep peeking at the wound to see if the bleeding has stopped, as this will only pull off the newly formed clot and make bleeding persist! When the first cloth gets blood soaked, just put another right on top of it and keep holding pressure. If bleeding is not controlled after 15 minutes, head to the ER.
After bleeding has stopped, you can look at the wound and decide whether you need to go to the ER for stiches. You have about 6-8 hours to get it stitched up, if you need it. How can you tell whether it needs stitches? In short, if the wound wants to stay open, or pop open with simple movement, it needs stitches!