Did you know that 60% of falls happen at home? And this isn’t including other injuries, such as cuts and burns.
Our homes aren’t as safe as we think they are. But if you were to go to the emergency room every time you’re hurt, not only would the staff be annoyed, but you’d be broke too!
The good news is, you can treat wounds on your own, so long as they’re not too serious. Not only will this save you money, but also time.
Here’s how to treat a wound so you don’t have to make trips out to the emergency room.
How to Treat an Open Wound
When treating a wound, first wash your hands with soap and water. This will prevent the wound from becoming infected. Then put on gloves so you don’t touch the person’s blood.
Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If the bleeding’s bad, try elevating the wound above heart level. Gravity can help stop blood flow and bleeding.
Clean the wound with running water for 5 minutes. You can clean with soap around the wound, but not inside it. Apply an antibacterial ointment instead after you’ve dried the area.
Now protect the wound by wrapping it with a bandage. It’s preferable to use one with no adhesives so it doesn’t stick to the wound.
How to Treat a Burn
Serious burns need to be treated at the hospital, as you might need skin grafts. But for minor burns, you should run the wound area under cool water for a few minutes. You can also apply a cool compress (don’t use ice though!).
If you have any blisters, don’t break them. For already-broken blisters, clean them gently with water and then apply an antibiotic ointment.
After cooling the wound, apply lotion. Using one with aloe vera will help it heal quicker.
Now bandage the area loosely.
How to Splint a Wound
It’s easy to jam your finger in a drawer or catch your toe in a doorway. So knowing how to splint these body parts can be useful!
You can get a kit that provides both splints and instructions. But if you don’t have one, a small and thin rigid item (such as a popsicle stick) can come in handy.
Either way, you’ll want to ensure your finger or toe is straight against the item. Then wrap tape around it firmly, but not too tightly. You’ll want to use 2 to 3 strips along the length of your finger/toe.
Treat Wounds at Home With Confidence
It can be daunting to treat wounds. But now that you know what to do, you’ll be able to handle any small emergency that happens! Your household will think you’re a superhero when you show them what a cool cucumber you are when treating wounds.
To read more about health and wellness, take a look at our blog page.