6 Immediate Steps to Take When Your Kid Gets a Cut (Before Heading to the ER)

Featuring Frank Ciminello, M.D., FACS

If you’re a mom, chances are you’ve had at least one moment when a normal day turned into an emergency: a slip on the playground, a tumble off a bike, or a sibling skirmish that ended in tears… and blood. Whether it’s a scraped chin or a deeper gash, cuts are part of growing up. 

“Knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference,” shares Frank Ciminello, M.D., FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Ciminello, a plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Center’s new innovative program, Got-A-Cut, shares six essential steps parents should take when their child gets a cut – and before heading to the Emergency Room.

1. Stay Calm (Your Child Feeds Off Your Energy)

Before you even look at the cut, take a deep breath. 

As Dr. Ciminello explains, “Kids take emotional cues from the adults around them. If you panic, they’ll panic. But if you stay calm and confident, it helps them feel safe, even when they’re in pain.”

Try to keep your voice steady, make eye contact, and reassure them that you’re going to take care of everything. You don’t have to hide the fact that they’re hurt, but how you react will set the tone.

2. Stop the Bleeding

Apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth, gauze, or even a paper towel. 

“Most bleeding will stop within 5–10 minutes with consistent pressure,” says Dr. Ciminello. “If it continues beyond that, or if the blood is spurting, that may be a sign of a deeper injury that requires immediate medical care.”

Be sure to elevate the area if possible – especially if the cut is on an arm or leg.

3. Rinse the Wound with Clean Water

Once the bleeding is under control, rinse the area with cool or lukewarm water. Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the tissue. 

“Plain water is best for flushing out dirt or debris,” Dr. Ciminello advises. “You can also use mild soap around the wound, but avoid getting it directly inside the cut.”

This step is crucial to help prevent infection, especially if the injury happened outside or involved dirt, wood, or pets.

4. Protect the Area with a Clean Bandage

After cleaning the wound, gently pat it dry and cover it with a sterile bandage or adhesive strip. 

“This helps keep bacteria out and gives you time to decide what the next step should be,” says Dr. Ciminello. “Try to avoid applying ointments unless directed by a doctor as some can cause irritation or even delay healing in certain types of wounds.”

5. Know the Signs that a Specialist Might Be Needed

Here’s where many parents feel stuck: Is this something I can treat at home… or does it require a trip to the emergency room?

Dr. Ciminello suggests looking for the following signs:

• The cut is deep or longer than half an inch
• Edges of the wound are gaping or won’t stay together
• It’s on the face, lips, or near the eyes
• There's embedded debris you can’t remove
• Bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
• The wound occurred from a pet or rusty object

According to Dr. Ciminello, in cases like these, proper closure matters – not just for healing, but also for minimizing scars.

“We created Got-A-Cut because so many parents were telling us the ER was overwhelming and they weren’t sure where else to go,” says Dr. Ciminello. “This program gives families access to expert care for cuts and lacerations, but in a calmer, more focused setting. We can usually treat the injury and have them on their way in under an hour.”

Dr. Ciminello explained that parents often share that their biggest concern is scarring. “Got-A-Cut allows us to close wounds with techniques that prioritize both healing and appearance. And we can typically treat your child in under an hour,” he elaborates.

From forehead falls to playground mishaps, Got-A-Cut treats children ages 3 months to 21 years for:

• Facial cuts (forehead, chin, cheeks, and lips)
• Lacerations on arms, legs, or hands
• Injuries from sports, pets, or household accidents
• Superficial wounds that benefit from a cosmetic approach

6. Comfort Your Child While You Plan the Next Step

Once the wound is cleaned and covered, turn your focus back to your child. Offer cuddles, their favorite blanket, or their favorite treat to soothe them. 

“Reassurance goes a long way in the healing process,” Dr. Ciminello says.

From there, decide your next move. “If it’s a minor scrape, you’re probably all set,” adds Dr. Ciminello. “If it’s more serious, or on your child’s face, consider giving Got-A-Cut a call.”

Got-A-Cut is covered by most major insurances and encompasses a network of expert plastic surgeons throughout New Jersey, with main offices in Maywood, Paramus, Red Bank, and Egg Harbor. Call 888-283-2130 or visit this website to learn more about the program.