Minor cuts can often be managed at home. Deeper wounds benefit from timely suturing or adhesive — and some need the emergency department.
First aid at home
Wash hands, then wash the wound under running water
Apply firm pressure with clean cloth to stop bleeding (5–10 min)
Cover with sterile dressing
Elevate the injured limb
Check tetanus immunisation status — last dose within 10 years is usually enough
Go to ER or call 112 for:
Heavy bleeding not controlled by pressure
Spurting arterial bleeding
Deep wound to the face, hand, or near joint with visible tendon/bone
Amputation or near-amputation injury — keep severed part cool, do not ice directly
Puncture wounds from rusty metal, animal/human bites — tetanus and infection risk
Crush injuries
Suspected fracture
When DoktorAkut can suture at home
Clean, straight-edged cut (not from crush)
Wound less than 6 hours old (for the face, up to 12 h)
No visible tendons, nerves, bones, or major vessels
Wound less than 5 cm long
Cooperative patient, well-lit setting
For smaller cuts or cuts on children, medical-grade tissue adhesive (Dermabond) is an excellent alternative — no stitch removal, good cosmetic result
Tetanus
German STIKO recommends a tetanus booster every 10 years. For dirty wounds, booster if last dose was more than 5 years ago. DoktorAkut does not administer tetanus vaccination on site — for tetanus-prone wounds requiring immediate vaccination (dirty wound + last dose >5 years), we refer you to the nearest emergency department or Notfallpraxis that can vaccinate.
What DoktorAkut does on site
Assess wound depth, involvement of deeper structures
Clean and debride
Local anaesthesia
Suturing with appropriate suture material and pattern
Tissue adhesive for suitable wounds
Steri-Strips for very superficial cuts
Dressing and follow-up instructions
Private prescription for analgesia and, if needed, antibiotic
Refer for tetanus vaccination if needed
Document with photo for follow-up
Suture removal
Typical timelines: face 5 days, scalp 7–10 days, trunk/arm 10 days, leg 14 days. Stitches can be removed at your regular GP, at a clinic, or — for private patients — at a follow-up DoktorAkut visit.
FAQ
Can you suture children at home?
Yes, for suitable wounds and cooperative children. Tissue adhesive is often the gentler option and looks good cosmetically.
Can you give a tetanus shot at home?
No — we do not carry tetanus vaccine on visits. If immediate tetanus vaccination is indicated, we direct you to the nearest Notaufnahme, where it can be given.