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This information sheet has been given to you by Paramedics because they have treated you for a minor wound. It contains important information on how to look after yourself and what to do if your condition changes.

Key messages

• Minor wounds may require treatment, but do not necessarily require a visit to the Emergency Department.
• Once bleeding is controlled, Paramedics will focus on pain relief, cleaning the wound and finding an appropriate health professional to treat you.
• If you require Emergency Department care, but not treatment in the ambulance, you will be asked to make your own way to hospital. You will not get seen by a doctor in the Emergency Department any faster if you travel in the ambulance. It is very important that you follow the advice from Paramedics.

Treatment

Paramedics can provide some initial basic treatment of your wound. They may wash it and provide you with a basic wound dressing. Paramedics will advise you if further treatment is required.

Please note: not all local doctors are able to treat wounds if they require stitches, glue or specialist dressings. Paramedics may need to refer you to an Emergency Department or particular clinic for follow-up care.

It is important that you follow the advice from Paramedics, as a wound that is not treated properly may lead to complications like infection, delayed healing or significant scarring.

Home care

• It may be appropriate to limit activities involving the affected body area. Paramedics will advise what level of activity is appropriate.
• Keep the wound clean and dry until it has healed. If your wound is uncovered, you can wash or shower after 24 hours. Do not soak the wound in water and make sure it is dry afterwards (gently pat the area dry with a clean towel).
• If you have pain, take simple pain relief medication such as paracetamol (such as Panadol or Dymadon) or prescribed pain relief as directed. If your child has pain, carefully check the label for the correct Panadol dose and make sure you are not giving your child any other products containing paracetamol simultaneously (some cough, pain and cold/flu medicines contain paracetamol).
• If bandages or dressings get wet or dirty it is not an emergency, although they will need to be changed. If you cannot do this yourself, see your local doctor, health care professional or pharmacist.
• Wound dressing removal can be made easier by applying vegetable or olive oil to loosen sticky tapes, then wrapping the dressing in cling wrap. Alternatively, you can soak it with water or gently pull it off.
• A crust (scab) will form over the wound. Do not pick the crust, as this can cause scarring and infection. The crust will eventually fall off by itself.
• Once the skin has healed it will be fragile and need extra care and protection. Avoid the sun if possible. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
• If your child has a wound, encourage restful, quiet time (e.g. reading or drawing).

Will I have a scar?

All wounds leave a scar. At first, the scar will be red and thick, and with time will become white, thin and smaller (sometimes almost invisible). The skin heals at different rates depending on factors such as general health, age, diet and whether or not the wound becomes infected. If you are worried about scarring, contact your local doctor or pharmacist to discuss treatment options.

What to expect

All wounds will be painful (to varying degrees), swollen, red and may bleed. These symptoms should ease in two to three days. Take simple pain relief medication such as paracetamol. If the pain is severe, despite taking medication, see your local doctor. Elevating the affected area may also help to provide relief

First aid

If the wound begins to bleed again, add fresh dressings over the top of the existing dressings and press down. These should be as clean as possible. If clean dressings are not available, apply a clean sanitary pad or towel.

Apply pressure over the wound with your hands to stop the bleeding. Keep the pressure on for at least five minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. Try to raise the area to above the level of your heart (for example, if it is on your arm then raise your arm up).

Call an ambulance (dial 000) if the bleeding is severe. Otherwise see your local doctor.

Follow up

Some wounds will need to be examined by your local doctor or health care professional. It is best to book this appointment early. This is to check that the wound is healing and to look for any signs of infection.

Signs of infection may develop two to three days after the injury and include:

• increasing pain despite taking painkillers
• a warm, red, swollen wound or redness spreading to the surrounding skin
• surrounding skin becoming hot to touch, swollen, red or painful
• pus (yellow or greenish discharge) or an offensive smell
• a tender lump in the groin or armpit closest to the wound
• fever (temperature over 37.5°C in adults or 38°C in children) or flu-like symptoms
• failure of the wound to heal (after approximately five days).

Seeking help

Call the ambulance on 000 if your wound begins bleeding heavily and cannot be stopped using the first aid measures described above.

In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance (dial 000).

For other medical problems see your local doctor or health care professional.

For health advice from a Registered Nurse you can call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.*

NURSE-ON-CALL provides access to interpreting services for callers not confident with English. Call 1300 60 60 24.

*Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate

Want to know more?

• Ask your local doctor or health care professional.
• Visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Ambulance Victoria is a critical link in Victoria's healthcare system. We welcome your comments as they assist us to improve our services. If you wish to provide feedback, please contact Patient Experience and Consumer Participation Department either via patientexperience@ambulance.vic.gov.au or telephone 1800 875 137.