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Heather Graham, St John Ambulance
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First Aid Trainer with St John Ambulance. Teaches both parents and teachers how to perform first aid on babies and children. St John Ambulance is the leading first aid charity in the UK.
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Baby first aid

Baby palm wounds

Accidents can happen very quickly with young babies. It can feel upsetting and frightening if your baby is bleeding. The more confident you are in performing first aid, the calmer your baby will be, and of course the more you can do to help them. A palm wound can bleed a lot, so it's good to know a few tips in advance for dealing with them.
Video Tutorial
In Short
Our St John Ambulance trainer Heather Graham shows you how to stop the bleeding on your baby’s hand and bandage up the wound. She shows you how to slow the bleeding with pressure on the wound and how to hold the wounded hand in an elevated position. Then, depending on the severity of the wound, you can seek further medical assistance.

Baby palm wounds
  • There might be lots of bleeding – and possible nerve/ tendon damage.
  • Place direct pressure on wound.
  • Raise their hand above level of the heart to reduce bleeding.
  • Place a sterile pad over wound.
  • Take a second rolled up dressing – place in palm of hand – same direction as cut – and close fingers over the roll.
  • Then wrap up fist with a bandage – leave thumb out – tie not too tightly.
  • Pinch test on thumb – pinch for 5 seconds – expect to see blood rush back into thumb – otherwise, the bandage is too tight.

The best way to learn baby first aid is by doing a first aid course with St John Ambulance or to watch our First Aid online content (below) made with St John Ambulance.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.