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Soft Tissue Injuries That Bleed: Cuts, Scratches & More

Injuries that cause bleeding can be extremely dangerous. You can lose enough blood to go into shock in the amount of time it takes an ambulance to get to you. Here are steps to care for different types of wounds, control bleeding and keep you safe until help arrives.
How to Treat a Cut Finger
First aid for cut fingers or other minor wounds mean keeping the injury clean more than stopping bleeding. These simple injuries can be treated at home with little more than an adhesive bandage and some soap.
When to See a Doctor About a Cut or Scrape
Should you see a doctor about your cut or scrape? Maybe you tripped over your 4-year-old's LEGO castle and cut yourself as you fell. Or perhaps that thumbtack you stepped on looked dirty and you can't remember when you last had a tetanus shot. How do you know when it's time to seek professional medical care?
In the case of multiple wounds, how would you stop the bleeding quickly?
Stopping bleeding on victims with multiple injuries may seem overwhelming, but should be treated the same. Treating one cut, three cuts, or a dozen makes no difference.
Understanding Tourniquets
Tourniquets are tight bands used to control bleeding by completely stopping the blood flow to a wound. Tourniquets have a bad rap in the field of emergency first aid. Complications of tourniquet use have led to severe tissue damage. However, tourniquets can arrest bleeding quite well - and are certainly useful in cases of severe bleeding that cannot be stopped in any other way.
How to Use a Tourniquet
Tie the tourniquet around the injured arm or leg, several inches above the injury (the part of the limb closer to the heart). If the injury is below the elbow or knee, it may be necessary to tie the tourniquet above the joint.
Apply a Tourniquet
Tourniquets are tight bands used to control bleeding by completely stopping the blood flow to a wound. Tourniquets have a bad rap in the field of emergency first aid. Complications of tourniquet use have led to severe tissue damage. However, tourniquets can arrest bleeding quite well - and are certainly useful in cases of severe bleeding that cannot be stopped in any other way.
Treat a Nosebleed
Nosebleeds are a common concern with kids, as well as adults. Spontaneous nosebleeds can be a sign of hypertension or a precursor to stroke. Learn how to treat a nosebleed.
Cuts in the Kitchen
Cutting yourself with a knife in the kitchen during food prep is the best and worst place to get a cut. Lots of bacteria, but soap and water nearby.
How to Treat for Shock
Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock. Shock can lead to death if not treated quickly. Learn what shock is and how to treat it.
Basic Steps to Controlling Bleeding
Most bleeding can be controlled before the ambulance gets there. Here are the steps to control bleeding.
Abrasions, Cuts, Lacerations, 'Road Rash', Scrapes - Sports Medicine
Cuts and scrapes are common when playing sports. Here are techniques for wound care from the Sports Medicine Guide.
Wounds, Minor Cuts and Scrapes, Travel, Homeopathy
The homeopathic approach to first aid.
Sports Injury Cheat Sheet
Play hard or go home. Here are some sports injury tips to cover things like cuts, sprains and fractures.
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