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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Hand Injury Treatment

Call 911 if:

  • The person is seriously injured.
  • Injury includes amputation.
  • Bone is protruding through skin.
  • Bleeding cannot be stopped after several minutes of firm pressure.
  • Blood spurts from the wound.

1. For Cuts

  • Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops.
  • Clean area with warm water and soap.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage.
  • Apply ice and elevate hand to reduce swelling.
  • If a finger or part of a finger has been cut off, collect all parts and tissue and place in a plastic bag on ice for transport to the hospital with the person.
  • See a health care provider immediately for a deep cut, puncture wound, animal bite, human bite, or a scrape that you cannot get clean or if the cut shows signs of infection.

 

2. For Dislocation or Fracture

  • Apply ice to reduce swelling.
  • Keep finger elevated above the heart
  • If finger is bent or deformed, don't try to straighten it.
  • See a doctor immediately.

 

3. For Infection

  • See your health care provider if a hand injury shows signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.

 

4. Other Times to Get Medical Help

  • See a health care provider immediately for any hand injury if the person cannot move the hand or fingers.

5. Follow Up

If the person sees a health care provider, the next steps depend on the nature and severity of the hand injury.

  • For bites, puncture wounds, burns, and some other hand injuries, the health care provider will give a tetanus shot or booster if the person hasn't had one recently. The health care provider will clean the wound and remove embedded dirt and debris.
  • For a fracture or dislocation, a doctor will X-ray the hand and may apply a splint or cast.
  • To prevent or treat an infection, the health care provider may prescribe antibiotics.
  • Surgery may be required for some hand injuries.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Andrew Seibert, MD on August 04, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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