Treating a Small Laceration When Outdoors

Object: The purpose of these instructions is to prepare and treat minor bleeding from a small cut or scrape when outdoors, with little equipment or no first aid kit. If the cut is deeper than a half an inch, there is major bleeding, or there are any doubts, seek medical attention immediately.

List of Requirements:
-clean water and a mild soap
-small bandage or clean piece of cloth/gauze
-tape or thin, long piece of cloth

Steps:
1.     Clean entire wound and surrounding area with clean water and mild soap. Make sure all dirt or debris is completely removed.
2.     Let disinfected area dry.
3.     Apply small bandage to completely cover the wound. If no bandage available, loosely tie small piece of clean cloth covering the wound and tie the thin piece of cloth with the knot on top of the actual wound.
4.     If bandage is wet, remove and apply a new one.
a.     After the wound forms a scab, a bandage isn’t needed.
b.     If blood soaks through the bandage or cloth, do not remove cloth. Add more bandaging on top or already existing cloth.
5.     Check wound daily. Smaller cuts should scab over in about 1-2 days.
a.     Call your doctor if the wound is red, swollen, tender, warm, or draining pus.

Conclusion:

After treating your small laceration, make sure to keep the area as clean as possible until it scabs over. If there is any doubt or concern with your personal treatment, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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