Knowing first-aid for cuts and scrapes is necessary given that they are quite unavoidable, especially when in the wild. Let’s not even consider the fact that you’re using a knife so much when in the wilderness, but the realization that there’s no expert doctor to treat you when you suffer a cut or scrape. And while you may think that the casual cut or scrape isn’t anything serious, how about a fatal cut to a delicate body part?
Priorities When Treating Any Wound
When treating any wound, be it a cut, scrape, bruise, burn, or tear, there are priorities to keep to. There is an order to follow. A disruption of this caste will hardly be of benefit to the victim undergoing treatment. So, to ensure that you’re optimizing each precious second, here are the top things to ensure when reserving first-aid on any wound.
Stop The Bleeding
In 10/10 times, the foremost priority is to stop the bleeding. Blood loss is the most important thing to be watchful for. Many patients suffer complications or even die due to a lack of means to curtail blood loss on time. Excessive loss of blood will put you in a state of shock and consequently, a drop in blood pressure level, and that is a high-risk factor of a cardiac arrest. When a major vein or artery is hit, the mere application of pressure isn’t enough to stop bleeding. So, your best choice is a tourniquet sometimes.
Prevent Infection
Infection is a frequent cause of further complications in a victim. A little cut can become fatal if it becomes infected. Some body parts may have to be cut off if a wound becomes infected and is left untreated for a long while. As such, thorough disinfection comes next after you stop the bleeding. The usual step is to wipe the surface carefully with a clean cloth soaked in antiseptic. If this is unavailable, use water, although you will have to re-clean when there’s a better option.
Minimize Scarring
A scar affects the composition of tissues, so it may disfigure the body and affect certain joint movements. To ensure that the scar is barely visible after some time, one must treat the wound immediately, you stop its bleeding and disinfect it. This is not all. The wound surface has to be properly (tightly) sewn. One can do this with the use of superglue, staples, or stitches.
Conducting First-aid For Cuts And Scrapes
Carrying out first-aid for cuts & scrapes should be a thorough process as you don’t want to leave scars on the victim. But with this in mind, you have to be fast as well. Remember that the earlier help comes, the better the chance of survival. We will look at three various techniques through which you can administer first-aid treatment on cuts or scrapes.
Sutures
A suture is a conventional method to close wounds, especially when the cut is 1/4 inch long. To suture a wound, you need a needle-driver, suture line, and, if possible, curved suture needles. Considering the resources available, you can use a string, fishing line, or straight sewing needle.
Using your thumb and middle finger, fix the needle to the needle-driver and then use the index finger to provide some stability. When this is done, grab the wound with a pair of tweezers or forceps and follow the instructions below:
- Beginning at the end of the cut on the right, pierce the skin at 90°, pressing down slightly into flesh.
- Pull the needle to the left, as if sewing a dress, ensuring that the suture (string or fishing line) is passed until there is just an inch of it on the right side.
- Eight to ten inches of suture should be on the left side now, with just 1 or 2 left on the right. If this is so, make two loops around the driver.
- Pull the suture at the end through the loops using your driver.
- Pull the suture with force, such that the wound is tightened and firmly shut.
- Make a square knot by pulling the leftover suture to the right. Then, take the other end through a newly formed loop. A square knot will help secure the suture, making sure it is tightly done.
- If you would like to insure the sewing, create another square knot by returning the suture to the left, making another loop, and pulling through it to the right.
- Make another suture moving downward within 1/8 – 1/4 inches.
Superglue
Does this surprise you? Don’t be. Superglues have been used to seal wounds since the 1st Vietnam war. So, believe it when I say superglue can help to close your wound immediately. However, one should avoid glues that can irritate the skin. And in case you’re wondering, yes, there are specific superglues that won’t cause any skin irritation even if used on the wound.
To use this method, clean the wound properly before applying glue on the skin. For optimum results, the two edges of your wound should be touching one another before you apply the glue. After application, endeavor to hold the wound in place for some time, say 4 minutes.
Medical Staple Guns
Medical staple guns are better options for excessively bleeding wounds, for example, an injury to the head. Unlike a glue or suture, you can instantly close a wound and have it intact for several weeks. Here’s an advantage: should you be injured, a novice can easily treat your cut since medical staple guns require little or no skill to handle.
Conclusion On First-aid For Cuts And Scrapes
Conducting first-aid for cuts and scrapes requires strong mental health that’ll keep your hands stable when making a suture in especial. Being unable to coordinate your movements will only worsen the wound. Regardless of the appearance of the injury, keep a calm heart that’ll allow you to work quickly and efficiently.