First aid for a deep cut
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Deep cuts need immediate bleeding control and professional medical assessment.
What to do
• Immediately apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth
• Keep the pressure on for at least 10 minutes without removing the cloth
• Raise the body part above the level of the heart
• Once the bleeding has stopped, apply a firm dressing
• Seek medical help — stitches may be needed
Do not do
• Do not remove the cloth to look at the wound — this disturbs clotting
• Do not use alcohol or iodine on a deeply bleeding wound
Warning signs
• Bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes — call 112
• Blood spurting out in pulses — arterial bleeding, life-threatening
Get help if
• The wound is deeper than 1 cm
• The wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object — tetanus risk
• The wound is on the face, hand or a joint
Why this matters
Untreated deep cuts can lead to serious infection or nerve damage. Stitches are sometimes needed for proper healing.
Source: Rode Kruis EHBO · reviewed 2025-01-01