The definition of a “severe” cut can vary for non-medical professionals, and it can be difficult to gauge just how deep or severe a cut is when it’s actively bleeding. If you’re concerned that a wound is life-threatening, it’s important to call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. Generally, a wound is truly considered severe if the bleeding cannot be stopped after applying steady pressure for 10 minutes. However, while you’re waiting for medical care or if you don’t think a wound is quite severe enough for immediate medical attention, there are a few things you can do to slow down and even stop the bleeding.
The most immediate way to slow down bleeding is to apply firm and steady pressure with a clean piece of cloth. This will give you time to get your WoundSeal items that will instantly stop bleeding for even the more serious cuts. It’s a good idea to keep WoundSeal kits and clean cloths readily available in your home, work, and all vehicles. However, if you notice that the blood has started to soak through the cloth before getting your WoundSeal kit, don’t remove it. Instead, put more cloth or gauze on top and keep applying pressure. If the injured area is on the arm or leg, raising the limb can help slow down blood loss. In most cases, a tourniquet isn’t necessary. It’s also important to keep in mind that tourniquets can easily be wrongly applied. Only consider a tourniquet if the bleeding does not slow down, and also seek immediate medical attention.
What about when bleeding stops?
As soon as the bleeding has stopped, it’s time to clean the wound. This can be done simply with warm water and soap. Make sure all soap is removed from the wound to avoid irritation. Do not use iodine or hydrogen peroxide, as they can cause tissue damage. At this point, you can either apply WoundSeal or a sterile bandage. The WoundSeal home application pack can be a supplement to any first aid kit and comes with a tool to remove foreign objects, WoundSeal with two applicators and powders, a Wrap It Cool, and special treatments for burns.
If you decide to not see a doctor immediately, keep an eye on the healing process. If you notice that the wound is particularly deep and has an opening one day after the injury, see a doctor. You might also have trouble getting out dirt and debris. If you notice signs of infection like tenderness, discharge, redness, or a fever, see a doctor immediately. Any feeling of numbness or red streaks near the wound are red flags that something’s wrong.
It’s generally better to be safe than sorry, but these are unprecedented times and it’s understandable to want to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor (and especially the ER) during a pandemic. Be prepared for emergencies with WoundSeal, capable of stopping bleeding in an instant.