CUTS & WOUNDS


Artery or Vein?

Blood from an artery is bright red and squirts out rapidly. If you suspect that you cut into an artery seek medical attention immediately. Blood from a vein is dark red and flows evenly


What to Do


1. Apply Pressure to the cut with the sterile gauge, a bandage, or sterile cloth

2. If blood seeps through apply another clothes over the bandage and continue to
apply pressure

3. Make sure to raise the injured part in order to slow the bleeding


Get stitches for deep wounds.

A wound that is more than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) deep or is gaping or jagged edged and has fat or muscle protruding usually requires stitches. A strip or two of surgical tape may hold a minor cut together, but if you can't easily close the mouth of the wound, see your doctor as soon as possible. Proper closure within a few hours reduces the risk of infection.


Seek Emergency Care Immediately If


1. Bandages are being soaked through with blood

2. The cut is so deep that part of the injured limb is amputate

3. The cut seems deep and is widely separated

4. The cut is from an animal bite