First aid for self-harm in children and young people

Banner 22 First Aid For Self Harm In CYP

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This page explains how to perform basic first aid for cuts and burns, and when to seek further medical advice or treatment. If you do not feel confident performing first aid, or you are unsure how serious an injury is, seek medical advice immediately.

In an emergency

If you believe a child or young person has seriously hurt themselves, call 999 or support them to go to A&E immediately.

Wounds (cuts)

Basic first aid steps
  • Press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth or gauze until bleeding stops.
  • Raise the injured area if possible.
  • If the person feels faint, lie them down and raise their legs.
  • Clean the wound and the skin around it under running water.
  • Dry the wound gently with a clean cloth.
  • Cover it with a clean dressing or bandage.
  • Keep the dressing clean and change it if it gets wet or dirty.
  • Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth or pus).
When to seek medical advice from a GP, walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre 
  • The wound is gaping or the edges won’t close.
  • Bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure.
  • There is debris stuck in the wound.
  • There are multiple wounds.
  • There are signs of infection.
  • You’re unsure how serious the wound is.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
  • The wound is very large or deep, e.g. you can see fat, muscle or bone.
  • There is heavy or uncontrollable bleeding, e.g. blood is gushing or is quickly soaking through the dressings.  
  • There is loss of feeling or movement near the wound.
  • The young person is having trouble breathing or chest pain.
  • There are signs of shock (pale, clammy, dizzy, faint).
  • The young person is confused, drowsy or unconscious.
  • The young person has also taken an overdose or harmful substance.
  • The person has tried to take their own life.

Burns

Basic first aid steps
  • Immediately put the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.
  • Do not put ice, creams or oils on the burn.
  • Do not try to remove any clothing or jewellery that is stuck to the skin.
  • Do not burst any blisters.
  • When the burn is cool, cover it with a clean dressing.
  • Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth or pus).
When to seek medical advice from a GP, walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre 
  • The burn is bigger than your palm.
  • The skin is blistered, broken or weeping.
  • The burn is on the face, hands, feet or genitals.
  • There are signs of infection.
  • You’re unsure how serious the burn is.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
  • The burn looks white, waxy or charred (this is a deep burn).
  • The burn is very large or covers multiple areas.
  • The burn is chemical or electric.
  • The burn is affecting the young person’s breathing.
  • There are signs of shock (pale, clammy, dizzy, faint).
  • The young person is confused, drowsy or unconscious.
  • The young person has also taken an overdose or harmful substance.
  • The person has tried to take their own life.

Additional advice and support

See 24/7 crisis support in Cheshire and Merseyside for help supporting a child or young person in crisis.

See Self-harm resources for children and young people for non-urgent help and support options.

More information

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