First Aid for Cutting

This information is provided as advice only. In no way does it encourage self-harm in any way. The aim of this article is to help you take care of yourself and your body after you have acted on the urge to self-harm. What follows does not replace medical attention and cannot be seen as professional medical advice.

First Aid for Self-Injury: Cutting

Lots of people who self-harm are often scared to ask for help with their wounds, or maybe they may not be able to seek help without the knowledge of someone else in their household. We acknowledge that for some people, not caring for their wounds or neglecting them adds in another layer of self-injury or harm. However, maybe if it feels right, you could invest in a simple first aid kit.

We suggest this not so you can self-harm more freely or frequently, but so you can look after yourself following an episode of self-harm and hopefully avoid infection too. Nevertheless, a first aid kit does not replace the need for professional help, and you should seek that help if you think you need it.

Cutting

• The main point when considering first aid after self-injury is that you must control the bleeding and prevent any possible infection.
• If you can, clean the wound under running tap water and apply a dressing that’s sterile
• If you have cut on a limb then raise your limb to reduce blood flow to the area, reducing blood loss and allowing time for a blood clot to form.
• Apply pressure to bleeding cuts; use a clean tea towel or something that won’t stick to your wound. Direct pressure prevents bleeding.
• BUT direct pressure is not appropriate when something is stuck in the wound. If this is the case use indirect pressure by pressing the wound together – do not remove the object and call for an ambulance (999).
• ASSESS THE DAMAGE If blood is pumping out from the injured area, in time to your heartbeat then this means you have cut through an artery as blood is under high pressure when pumped from the heart- therefore immediate direct-pressure is needed, and you must not remove pressure at all for at least 3-5 minutes –you must tell a trusted adult or call an ambulance (dial 999).

When to seek medical attention

• It is very important that you tell someone if you have hurt yourself severely or if you have taken an overdose / swallowed chemical substances.
• It is normal to be scared, but it is essential to get proper medical attention as quickly as possible.
• If you are ever in doubt, phone NHS Direct on 111 they will provide you with a trained nurse to talk to almost immediately.

For more information on managing wounds and burns and information about when you should see a doctor, go to www.nhs.uk or ring NHS Direct on 111.