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What to Say in an Emergency

When Calling Emergency Services

Say exactly:

""I'm calling about my [age] child who has a severe cut on their [body part]. The bleeding [has/hasn't] stopped with pressure. The cut is [length] and [depth description]. The injury happened [time] ago from [cause]. We are at [your exact location/address].""

At the Emergency Room

Say exactly:

""My child cut themselves [time] ago on [object/cause]. The cut is on their [body part] and is about [length] long. I applied pressure and [bleeding stopped/continued]. They are up to date on tetanus shots [yes/no/unsure]. They have no allergies and take no medications.""

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • 1
    Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
    • Take a deep breath - your calm energy helps your child
    • Quickly look at the cut without touching it
    • If there's an object stuck in the wound, DO NOT remove it
    • Move your child to a clean, well-lit area if possible
    • Call for help if you need another adult
  • 2
    Control the Bleeding
    • Put on gloves if available, or use a barrier (plastic bag, clean cloth)
    • Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze
    • Press firmly and steadily - don't peek to see if it's working
    • If blood soaks through, add more cloth on top (don't remove the first layer)
    • Elevate the injured area above heart level if possible
    • Maintain pressure for at least 10 minutes without stopping
  • 3
    Assess if Emergency Care is Needed
    • Check if bleeding stops with 10 minutes of direct pressure
    • Look at the cut edges - do they gape open or stay together?
    • Measure length: longer than 1/2 inch usually needs stitches
    • Check depth: can you see fat (yellow) or bone (white)?
    • Consider location: face, hands, joints, genitals need professional care
    • Trust your instincts - when in doubt, seek medical care
  • 4
    Clean and Dress the Wound (if not going to ER)
    • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound
    • Gently rinse the cut with clean water (avoid hydrogen peroxide)
    • Pat dry with clean cloth - don't rub
    • Apply thin layer of antibiotic ointment if no allergies
    • Cover with sterile bandage or adhesive bandage
    • Change dressing daily and keep wound clean and dry
  • 5
    Monitor for Complications
    • Watch for signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus
    • Check that edges of cut stay together as it heals
    • Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date (within 5-10 years)
    • Return to doctor if wound reopens or doesn't heal properly
    • Follow up with pediatrician within 24-48 hours for deep cuts

Watch for Signs

Monitor your child for these symptoms:

🚩 Red Flags (seek immediate care)

  • Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Cut edges gape open and won't stay together
  • You can see fat (yellow tissue) or bone (white)
  • Cut is longer than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm)
  • Cut is on face, hands, joints, or genitals
  • Object is embedded in the wound
  • Cut was caused by dirty or rusty object
  • Signs of nerve damage (numbness, can't move fingers/toes)
  • Signs of infection (fever, red streaks, pus, increasing pain)

💚 Cuts That Can Be Treated at Home

  • Bleeding stops with direct pressure within 10 minutes
  • Cut edges stay together on their own
  • Cut is less than 1/2 inch long and shallow
  • Cut is on arms, legs, or trunk (not face/hands)
  • Caused by clean object (kitchen knife, paper)
  • Child can move the injured area normally
  • No signs of infection after 24-48 hours
  • Tetanus vaccination is current

FAQs (Common Parent Questions)

"How do I know if my child needs stitches?"

If the cut is longer than 1/2 inch, gapes open, you can see fat or bone, or it's on the face/hands/joints, it likely needs stitches. When in doubt, have it evaluated by a medical professional.

"Should I use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to clean the wound?"

No, these can damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Use clean water or saline solution. Gentle soap around (not in) the wound is okay for cleaning the surrounding skin.

"How long do I have to get stitches?"

Ideally within 6-8 hours of injury, but up to 12-24 hours may be acceptable depending on the wound. Don't delay - earlier is always better for best healing and reduced scarring.

"When does my child need a tetanus shot?"

If their last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago (for dirty wounds) or 10 years ago (for clean wounds), they need an update. If you're unsure of vaccination status, they should get one.

"Can I use super glue or butterfly bandages instead of stitches?"

Only for very minor cuts that barely gape. For anything requiring stitches, these are temporary measures at best. Medical-grade skin adhesive applied by professionals is different from household super glue.

Real Parent Tips

Real Parent Experiences

"I learned to keep a "blood kit" ready - gloves, gauze, tape. When my son cut his hand, I didn't waste time looking for supplies."

— Maria G., Ottawa

"Don't be afraid to apply real pressure. I was too gentle at first and the bleeding wouldn't stop. Firm, steady pressure saved us an ER trip."

— James K., Halifax

"Take a photo of the cut before covering it. The ER doctor said it helped them see the original injury and plan treatment."

— Lisa W., Edmonton
This guide is intended for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if uncertain.