When to refer

• If a baby or child requires first aid
• If bleeding persists for longer than five minutes – even when pressure has been applied
• If there is an object stuck in a wound
• If the injury was caused by an animal or human bite or a puncture wound
• If a cut is deep or longer than half an inch
• If the individual has not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years
• If a blister or scald is bigger than three or four inches wide.

Important

If a person’s eyes, lips or mouth swells, they have difficulty breathing or a tight chest and dizziness after an insect bite or sting, they may be having a severe allergic rection – known as anaphylaxis – and will require urgent medical attention.