What To Do When You've Cut Yourself - Finding 24 Hour Emergency Centers Near Me

It can happen in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re chopping up vegetables on the cutting board — focusing on the long day at work you’ve just had. Suddenly, the knife slips, leaving you with a pretty nasty gash on your hand, fingers, or arm.

There are a few things you need to do before you start searching for a 24-hour emergency room near me. First, remember to stay calm. Then, follow these steps before you head to the ER for further evaluation and care.

Step 1

First, assess the severity of your injury. You need to figure out whether this is an emergency or nonemergency. Cuts are quite common in the kitchen, and they usually aren’t as serious as you think. According to Backer’s Hospital Review, only 3% of patients who visit an urgent care center are transferred to the emergency department. How do you know if the cut is an emergency? If the cut is especially deep, painful, prevents you from using your hand, or won’t stop bleeding, then you should visit an emergency center.

Step 2

If you have determined that the wound is not an emergency, then get ready to treat the laceration at home. Start by running the wound underwater. It’s important to wash the wounded area so that it doesn’t become infected. For minor cuts, a simple bandage or medical gauze will quickly stop the bleeding.

Step 3

For more serious cuts, find a clean towel and apply pressure. If the affected area seems to stop bleeding in twenty minutes or less, then you’re in the clear! Use an anti-bacterial agent on the cut and wrap some bandages around the wounded area.

Step 4

If the bleeding doesn’t stop, then call a friend or family member immediately and have them drive you to the nearest urgent care for treatment. Have them look up 24-hour emergency room near me so you can visit the closest healthcare facility. After all, in an emergency, time is of the essence.

Continue to apply pressure until you arrive at the emergency room. Again, remember to stay calm. Panicking can only make the situation worse. If you can’t stand the sight of blood, try performing deep breathing exercises until help arrives.

Prevention

To avoid dangerous encounters with your kitchen knife in the future, make sure you’re always using a cutting board. Cutting over the sink, or using the palm of your hand, can lead to another serious injury. You can also place a damp towel underneath your cutting board to avoid it slipping off the counter. Always chop away from your hands and never let your mind drift off while using kitchen knives.

Now, you know exactly how to react in case of an accidental laceration of your hand or arm while in the kitchen. Always take preventative measures, but in case of an emergency, follow these steps to determine whether you need serious medical attention. Then, calmly seek help.