For minor cuts and scrapes, clean the wound with running water or a sterile wipe, pat dry, and apply a sterile dressing.

When faced with severe bleeding, always follow the DRSABCD St John Action Plan and call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance as soon as possible.

While you await medical assistance, follow the below first aid steps to get the bleeding under control quickly:

• Lay the person down, keep them calm, and remove or cut their clothing to expose the injury.
• Apply direct pressure over and around the injury using a pad or your hands. You can also instruct the injured person to do this themselves.
• Squeeze the wound edges together if possible.
• Elevate the injury so it is above the heart, exercising caution if a broken bone is suspected.
• Apply a pad over the injury and secure it with a bandage.
• If blood continues to seep through, place another pad and bandage over the original one without removing it.
• Monitor the bleeding, checking the bandages every 15 minutes to ensure they are not too tight and allowing circulation below the injury. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
• DO NOT provide the person anything to eat or drink, even if they desire it.