Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Burns – Everyday First Aid

Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns happen every day—at home, at work, in the kitchen, during play, or on job sites. Knowing how to treat these small injuries safely can prevent infection, reduce pain, and avoid unnecessary medical visits. With the right steps, most minor wounds can be managed quickly and effectively before professional help is needed.

This article is part of the BVAC Rescue Response Training Center’s community safety and first-aid education series. Our mission is to help families, workplaces, and community members recognize early warning signs, take smart first steps, and understand when an injury requires emergency care.

Understanding Minor Cuts & Scrapes

Small cuts and scrapes usually involve the top layer of skin. While they may look dramatic, most are easily managed with basic first-aid skills.

First-Aid Steps

1. Wash your hands to avoid contamination.

2. Gently clean the wound with clean running water—remove dirt or debris carefully.

3. Apply pressure with clean gauze if bleeding continues.

4. Use an antibiotic ointment to reduce infection risk.

5. Cover with a sterile bandage and change it daily.

6. Watch for infection—redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain.

When a Minor Cut Isn’t Minor

Seek medical attention if:
✔ The cut is deep or gaping
✔ Bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure
✔ The injury was caused by a dirty or rusty object
✔ The person hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 year.

Understanding Minor Burns

Burns can occur from hot surfaces, steam, cooking, chemicals, or sun exposure. Minor burns affect only the outer skin layer.

First-Aid Steps

1. Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–15 minutes.

2. Remove jewelry near the burn area before swelling begins.

3. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing—avoid cotton or fluffy materials.

4. Do NOT apply butter, oils, toothpaste, or ice. These worsen the injury.

5. Use OTC pain relief if needed.

When a Burn Needs Medical Care

Call a professional if:
✔ The burn is blistering or covers a large area
✔ It affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
✔ The burn appears deep or charred
✔ The person shows signs of shock

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if someone experiences:

  Trouble breathing or swelling of the face/throat
  Severe chest pain
  Sudden confusion or loss of consciousness
  Uncontrolled bleeding
  A suspected serious injury, poisoning, or overdose

When in doubt, always call.

First-Aid Skills Save Lives

While articles provide helpful guidance, hands-on training builds confidence and muscle memory. BVAC Rescue Response Training Center offers:

• AHA CPR/AED Certification

• First Aid Training

• BVAC First Response Essentials

• Stop the Bleed

• Tactical Medicine Courses (TECC/TCCC Concepts)

These courses prepare you to respond quickly, safely, and effectively—whether you're at home, at work, or in the community.