Injuries

First aid refers to the techniques anyone can use, regardless of training level, to stabilise or maintain the condition of a person facing a health-threatening problem.

If you are a victim or a witness of physical violence, here are the first aid steps to take. Try to act calmly, without rushing.

A wound, single or multiple, is serious if it is located on the chest, abdomen, eye, or face. It is also serious if it is torn (e.g. caused by a bite) or deep (e.g. knife, cutter, projectile…).

For a serious wound
While waiting for help:
➡️ Chest wound : semi-sitting position.
➡️ Abdominal wound : lying on the back, knees bent, legs horizontal.
➡️ Eye wound : lying on the back, head supported.
➡️ Other wounds : lying flat.

For a minor wound
➡️ Wash your hands, then wash the wound with water and soap.
➡️ Disinfect with antiseptic.
➡️ Cover with a bandage.
➡️ Monitor: if redness, heat, or pain appears, see a doctor.

If the wound is bleeding
➡️ Apply direct pressure with your hand.
➡️ Call 911.
➡️ Lay the victim down and replace hand pressure with a pressure bandage (or, if not available, with a clean cloth).
➡️ If bleeding continues, apply a second dressing on top of the first.

If a foreign object is in the wound
⚠️ Never remove it, as it helps limit bleeding and removing it could make the injury worse.

If nosebleed
➡️ Victim should remain standing.
➡️ Pinch nostril for at least 10 minutes, head leaning forward.

Serious burn
➡️ Call 911.
➡️ Rinse thoroughly with cool water for 5 minutes.
➡️ Remove clothing, except those stuck to the skin.
➡️ Lie down while waiting for help.

Minor burn
➡️ Rinse with cool water until pain stops.
➡️ Disinfect with antiseptic (not alcohol).
➡️ Cover with a bandage and monitor.

Open fracture (bone exposed)
➡️ Call 911.
➡️ Cover with sterile compresses or a clean cloth.

Upper limb fracture
➡️ Keep the position most comfortable for the victim.

Lower limb fracture
➡️ Do not move the victim. Wait for EMS.

In all cases, go to a hospital or clinic for a full medical check-up as soon as possible, even if injuries look minor.

👉 You do not need to file a police report to receive medical care.

If you want to report the assault to the police, or think you might later, preserve evidence:
➡️ Do not shower.
➡️ Do not brush your teeth.
➡️ Do not move or clean anything the attacker may have touched.
➡️ Put the clothes you wore at the time in a paper bag.
➡️ If you think you were drugged, keep your first urine in a clean container.