Minor injuries
Cuts and grazes
1
Rinse the wound under running water, or clean it with sterile wipes.
2
Pat it dry with a gauze swab.
3
Cover it with a sterile dressing or a large plaster.
Get it checked if the bleeding won't stop, something is stuck in it, it's a bite, it looks infected, or they're not sure their tetanus jabs are up to date.
Bruises
- Raise and support the injured part in a comfortable position.
- Hold something cold on it, such as an ice pack or frozen veg wrapped in a towel, for no more than 20 minutes.
- If the bruise hasn't gone after 3 weeks, get it checked.
Splinters
1
Clean around it with warm, soapy water.
2
Grip it with tweezers close to the skin, and pull it out at the same angle it went in.
3
Gently squeeze to make it bleed a little. This helps clear any dirt.
4
Clean, dry and cover it.
Leave a deep splinter in and get it seen. Get help too if it looks infected (red, swollen, more painful, or leaking pus).
Nosebleeds
1
Sit them down and get them to lean forward. Don't tilt their head back.
2
Pinch the soft part of their nose, just above the nostrils, and breathe through the mouth. Keep pinching for 10 minutes. If it's still bleeding, pinch for another 10 minutes, up to two more times.
3
Call 999 if the bleeding is heavy, they feel weak or dizzy, or they're struggling to breathe, or if it's still bleeding after 30 minutes.