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InstaCare Online

Skin Trauma (Injury)

Should I Call?

	Call 911 NOW (you may need an ambulance) IF: Major bleeding (actively bleeding or spurting) that can't be stopped Cut on the neck, chest, back, or abdomen that may go deep (e.g., stab wound) FIRST AID: Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF: You think you have a serious injury Severe pain Bleeding that hasn't stopped after 10 minutes of direct pressure Cut is very deep (e.g., can see bone or tendons) Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches Dirt or grime in the wound is not removed after 15 minutes of scrubbing Skin loss from bad scrape goes very deep Skin loss involves greater than 10% of body surface; NOTE: The hand's surface equals 1% High pressure injection injury (e.g., from paint gun, usually work-related) Cut or scrape looks infected (redness, red streak or pus) Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby Instacare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search, to find the Instacare clinic nearest you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (between 9 am and 4 pm) IF: You think you need to be seen Several bruises occur without any known injury Very large bruise follows a minor injury (wider than 2 inches) No tetanus booster in more than 10 years (5 years for dirty cuts and scrapes) Diabetic with any cut or scrape on foot
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns
	Self Care at Home IF: Minor cut, scrape or bruise and you don't think you need to be seen