Post by Justin on Feb 5, 2009 17:59:46 GMT -5
If you self-harm, it’s important to stay safe. I’ve decided to post this thread with advice on how to treat cuts. I’m in no way advocating self-harm, I’m merely giving advice to those who do.
If you do cut it’s best to use a clean blade.
Note: I am not a medical professional.
A Cutter’s First Aid Kit
Wherever you usually cut, you might be able to store some medical supplies in a box. You can include:
Antiseptic
Bandages
Cotton wool
Plasters (aka band-aids)
Surgical tape
Clean folded cloth/dressing (sanitary pads also work if nothing else is available)
Treatment
The first thing to check is how heavy the bleeding is. If the blood is pumping out rather than oozing, you have probably cut an artery and will definitely need medical treatment. In that case, apply pressure with the dressing and wrap tightly with bandages. If the cut is on a limb, keep it raised whenever possible. Get to your nearest A&E (aka emergency room).
In other cases, if the bleeding won’t stop, again, apply pressure with the dressing and wrap tightly with bandages, and wait for ten minutes. If blood starts to seep through, put another dressing on top, and maintain pressure. After ten minutes, check to see if the wound is still bleeding. If it continues to bleed, cover again for another ten minutes, and consider medical treatment.
Once the bleeding has stopped, you can apply an ice/cold pack to the wound. Wash the cut and apply antiseptic using the cotton wool, and cover with a clean bandage. The bandage should be changed about twice a day.
If you do cut it’s best to use a clean blade.
Note: I am not a medical professional.
A Cutter’s First Aid Kit
Wherever you usually cut, you might be able to store some medical supplies in a box. You can include:
Antiseptic
Bandages
Cotton wool
Plasters (aka band-aids)
Surgical tape
Clean folded cloth/dressing (sanitary pads also work if nothing else is available)
Treatment
The first thing to check is how heavy the bleeding is. If the blood is pumping out rather than oozing, you have probably cut an artery and will definitely need medical treatment. In that case, apply pressure with the dressing and wrap tightly with bandages. If the cut is on a limb, keep it raised whenever possible. Get to your nearest A&E (aka emergency room).
In other cases, if the bleeding won’t stop, again, apply pressure with the dressing and wrap tightly with bandages, and wait for ten minutes. If blood starts to seep through, put another dressing on top, and maintain pressure. After ten minutes, check to see if the wound is still bleeding. If it continues to bleed, cover again for another ten minutes, and consider medical treatment.
Once the bleeding has stopped, you can apply an ice/cold pack to the wound. Wash the cut and apply antiseptic using the cotton wool, and cover with a clean bandage. The bandage should be changed about twice a day.