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]