First Aid Techniques

Wound Care – Part 3 “Puncture Wounds”

Wound Care – Part 3 “Puncture Wounds”

Our third look into Wound Care will mainly focus on Puncture wounds and what we can do to help someone experiencing this type of emergency. Puncture wounds happen “all the time” and can easily be defined as “when something pointed creates a hole in the skin” or when an embedded object within the skin has been removed. This can be very painful, lead to blood loss, internal damage, infection and many other complications. With an “Embedded or Impaled Object NEVER remove the object” leave the object in place for medical professionals to remove to reduce further injury. For this post lets utilize the information we have gained in previous clips to assess, evaluate and control the hazards and injuries associated with Puncture Wounds.

Common Causes:

  • -Injuries from pointed objects like nails, glass, pens or needles.
  • -Animal Bites “Fangs or pointed teeth may cause puncture wounds”
  • -Unsafe play habits with long or pointed objects

Prevention:

  • -Wear PPE or Personal Protective Equipment when available
  • -Stay away from unfamiliar or wild animals
  • -Implement safe play habits with children and adults to avoid injuries such as “running with scissors“
  • -Wear Proper footwear outdoors at work or at play
  • -Nails sticking out from boards should be removed and sweep up broken glass either inside or outside “Animals and Children can easily be exposed to sharp objects hidden in grass”

What it Looks Like:

  • -A hole in the skin where the object penetrated or went through.
  • -Possible Bruising around a wound with a depressed pointed center.
  • -Bleeding, depending on the size of the object and depth of penetration.

How to Help:

1) Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation” REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids.

2) Call 911 if you suspect the injuries could be severe or if there is “Animal Attack”.

3) Care for the Puncture Wound by:

  • -If the wound is bleeding place “Direct Pressure on the wound with “dressings” until the bleeding stops”
  • -After the bleeding stops and there is no risk of further opening the wound “rinse with cool clean water for roughly 5 minutes” add soap if the person is comfortable to do so *Avoid fragrant soaps or soaps with grit*
  • -Antibiotic ointments or creams may be applied once the bleeding has stopped. Follow the directions recommended by a pharmacists and check the “5 Rights of Medications” **Always ask the person if they have allergies or sensitivity to antibiotics such as penicillin, if so “Do NOT apply the ointment**
  • -Secure the wound with dressings and a bandage, monitor for signs of infection by changing the bandages / dressings regularly to avoid complications.

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.