Wounds

A wound is a break in the skin or deeper tissue caused by cutting, scraping, puncturing, tearing, biting or pressure. First stop bleeding with firm direct pressure, rinse away dirt with clean running water and have deep, gaping, contaminated, numb or poorly perfused wounds assessed in good time.

• Bleeding, pain, gaping wound edges, a graze, skin flap or visible deeper tissue.
• Dirt, glass, metal, wood or other material in the wound.
• First ensure traffic, electricity, glass, an animal or a machine poses no further danger, and use gloves if possible.
• For bleeding, apply firm, uninterrupted pressure with clean gauze or a cloth for ten minutes; add more material on top if blood soaks through.
• Call the same day for a deep, gaping, dirty or bite wound, or if closure may be needed.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.