First Aid for Sports Injuries
APP Alphabetical Index
CUT (Laceration)
Profuse bleeding may require stitches to close the wound.
Immediate treatment
1. Wear latex gloves to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections. Remain calm and in control. Reassure the bleeding person using a calm, firm voice.
2. Cleanse the wound with soap and warm water from a tap, a plastic squeeze bottle, or a rubber bulb to rinse away dirt and particles. Antiseptic is not required but may be used if desired.
Consult a physician IF...
• a serious cut is on the face, scalp, chest, abdomen, back, or extremities.
• the cut is gaping or deep.
• the cut is from a human or animal bite.
• blood spurts forcefully from the wound.
• fat protrudes from the wound.
• there is doubt that all foreign matter has been removed from the wound.
• signs of infection occur (pus, redness, swelling, fever.
• a tetanus shot has not been received within the previous 5 years.
