Limiting The Damage (Part2)

I do not recommend self-harm and would strongly urge people to always consider alternatives to self-harm first, such as talking about your feelings (if you can), distracting yourself, or trying safer alternatives. If you are going to self-harm, or you already have, I hope you find the following information useful. (Also see part 1)

General advice: Make sure anything you cut yourself with is clean; for example, use new blades. Never cut near your wrists over visible major blood vessels. Don’t cut deeply.

If you have a small cut, scratch or graze, you should:
1.Clean the wound with running water (avoid antiseptic lotions or creams).
2.Pat the area dry with clean, non-fluffy material.
3.Cover the cut completely with a sterile dressing or plaster.

For more serious cuts that bleed more, you should:
1.Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean, non-fluffy pad or cloth. Apply the pressure for a good 10 minutes, and avoid lifting up the pad to look – give it a few minutes.
2.Raise the injured area (unless it is broken) above the level of the heart to slow down the bleeding.
3.Bandage the pad or dressing firmly to control bleeding, but not so tightly that it stops the circulation to fingers or toes.
4.Do not remove bandages as this can interfere with blood coagulation (when your blood cells clot together to seal the wound). If bleeding seeps through the first bandage, cover with a second bandage. If bleeding continues to seep through, remove the bandage and reapply.
5.If you lose a lot of blood, you can go into shock. This can be very serious and needs medical attention.

If something is embedded (stuck) in the wound:
1.Leave it in place – don’t try to remove it as this may cause further bleeding.
2.Raise the body part if possible.
3.If you can, firmly push together the edges of the wound to try to stem blood loss.
4.Gently cover the wound and object with a sterile dressing if possible.

Your cut may need stitches if:

1. The cut will not stop bleeding.
2. The cut is more than ¼ of an inch or 1 cm long.
3. The cut is gaping (i.e. the edges don’t stay together and you can see tissue or fat).
4. If you go to the hospital for stitches, you may be offered traditional stitches (suturing), steri-strips, or surgical glue.

IMPORTANT! If you’re ever in ANY doubt as to how serious the injury is,always seek medical advice.

[taken in part: Docstoc]

Limiting The Damage (Part 1)

I do not recommend self-harm and would strongly urge people to always consider alternatives to self-harm first, such as talking about your feelings (if you can), distracting yourself, or trying safer alternatives. If you are going to self-harm, or you already have, I hope you find the following information useful.

If you self-harm...

• Be aware of basic first-aid and have a well stocked first aid kit handy.
• Make sure you are up to date with your tetanus jab (check with your GP – you should have a tetanus vaccination every ten years). Tetanus is a serious infection.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs - being intoxicated might mean you cause more damage than you planned, and might affect your ability to react to an emergency.
• Work on developing your other coping skills, to reduce the desire to self-harm
• Don’tever feel that you are unworthy of medical care, and try not to let the possible response of medical staff put you off seeking help – your health is more important.
• Take care of yourself - you might not feel like it at the time but may later be glad.

IMPORTANT! If you’re ever in ANY doubt as to how serious the injury is, always seek medical advice.

Items to include in your first aid kit (available from any chemist, supermarket) Bandages, plasters, skin closure dressings Adhesive strips (such as steri-strips) Adhesive tape for securing dressings, and scissors Antiseptic spray or wipes Basic first aid book or leaflet

Seek medical attention if…..

• The blood is pumping – continue to apply pressure and call 000(Aus), 999(Eng) 911(US).
• The bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure.
• The cut is very large or very deep, or may require stitches.
• There is a chance that nerves or tendons have been affected.
• You go into shock (see next page)
• The injury is on a joint – this can cause long-term movement difficulties.
• Something is embedded (stuck) in the wound.
• The cut involves the mouth, face, hand or genitals.
• The cut does not heal properly.
• The cut shows signs of infection (it is red, sore, or painful, hard or has pus oozing out)

[taken in part: Docstoc]