Do this now
- Make sure you’re safe from more harm, like traffic, fire, or falling objects.
- Check for emergency signs (see the red box). If you see any, call 911.
- Stop bleeding by pressing firmly on the wound with a clean cloth.
- Keep an injured arm or leg still, and don’t try to straighten it.
- Find your injury below for next steps, and get care if you’re not sure how serious it is.
Call 911 if:
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure
- Someone passed out, is confused, or can’t move or feel part of their body
- A possible head, neck, or back injury, especially after a crash or a fall from height
- A bone is poking through the skin, or a limb looks badly bent
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a serious burn
Find your injury
- Heavy bleeding: Someone is bleeding heavily
- Small cut or scrape: Minor cuts and scrapes
- Possible broken bone: Broken bones
- Twisted ankle or pulled muscle: Sprains and strains
- Hit your head: Someone hit their head
- Burn: I got burned
- Nosebleed: Nosebleeds
- Something in your eye or an eye injury: Eye injuries
- Bite or sting: Bites and stings
Where to get care
For injuries that aren’t emergencies but need a closer look — like a cut that may need stitches, a possible minor broken bone, or a sprain that won’t bear weight — urgent care is often a good choice. See choosing the right care or find care near you.
Tetanus
If a wound is deep or dirty and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in 5 years (or 10 years for a clean, minor wound), ask a health care provider about a booster.