Injury

An injury can be anything from a minor cut or bruise to a sprain, strain, or more serious cut. Knowing how to provide immediate first aid and when to seek professional medical help is crucial for proper healing and to prevent long-term complications.

Visit the Emergency Department if you have any of the following:

• Severe bleeding that you cannot control despite 15 minutes of direct pressure.
• A suspected broken bone or dislocation.
• A head injury that causes confusion, persistent headache or fainting.
• A deep, large or dirty wound that needs washing and stitches.
• Any injury with signs of nerve damage, like numbness, tingling, or weakness.
• A head injury that has not caused loss of consciousness but is causing giddiness or a headache.

Visit the GP or Polyclinic if you have any of the following:

• Minor cuts or scrapes that need cleaning and dressing. You may need a tetanus vaccination as well.
• Minor sprains or strains.
• A wound with mild signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.

What you can do:

• The R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method is a widely accepted first-aid protocol for managing acute soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. This should be performed in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
  • Rest: Stop any physical activity immediately. Avoid putting weight on the injured limb or using the injured joint to prevent further damage.
  • Ice: Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. This helps to reduce pain, swelling, and internal bleeding. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
  • Compression: Gently wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage. The bandage should be snug but not so tight that it causes numbness, tingling, or increased pain. The goal is to reduce swelling.
  • Elevation: Elevate the injured limb above the level of your heart whenever possible. This uses gravity to help drain fluid from the injured area, which also reduces swelling. 

• For a minor cut or scrape, a different approach is needed.
  • Stop the Bleeding: Apply gentle, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth, bandage, or gauze for several minutes. Most minor cuts will stop bleeding on their own once a clot forms.
  • Clean the Wound: Once the bleeding has stopped, gently clean the area with mild soap and running water. Gently remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage tissue. Do not wash off the clot as it will cause the bleeding to re-occur.
  • Apply a Topical Ointment: You can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to keep the area moist and help prevent infection.
  • Cover the Wound: Place a sterile dressing and bandage over the wound to keep it clean and protected from germs. Change the dressing/bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.

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