First, acquaint yourself with the location of the first-aid box and the procedures if (when) you cut yourself. If a cut is small and you don’t feel lightheaded, go to the first-aid area. If possible, wash the wound with soap and cool running water. Get your instructor’s attention and hold your wound shut with gentle pressure for at least 3 minutes. Check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If it has stopped, bandage the cut. If the cut is on your hand or a finger, cover it with a finger cot or glove. A large wound or one that doesn’t stop bleeding is a serious matter that will require a trip to the emergency room. Any tools or surfaces that were contaminated with blood need to be washed and sanitized. Any food that might be contaminated is thrown away. Be aware of any pieces of skin that might have been severed and be prepared to recover it to take to the emergency room. (Have I got your attention yet?) Anyone cleaning the contaminated area should wear gloves and take care to not have direct contact with any blood.
- Don’t wash the wound with peroxide or alcohol. Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing.
- Keep the bandage clean and dry. Keep the would moist with antibiotic cream. A covered wound will heal faster.
8 Knife Safety Rules:
- Use the correct-sized knife for the task.
- Cut away from yourself.
- Use a cutting board.
- Secure cutting boards with damp towel or non-skid pad.
- Keep knives honed, sharp & CLEAN.
- Carry knife point down & close. Say “sharp” when carrying a knife.
- Never catch a falling knife.
- Never leave a knife in a sink.
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