Five percent of the reasons for children going to emergency centers are puncture wounds.Puncture wounds occur when a sharp object pierces the skin.If the object was driven into the skin with a lot of force, the wounds can be quite deep.Minor puncture wounds can be treated at home, saving you a trip to the emergency room, but major wounds should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.The following article will show you how to assess and treat puncture wounds.
Step 1: Immediately treat the wound.
It will usually not become serious if a puncture wound is attended to quickly.If left unattended, the puncture site can become life threatening for the patient.
Step 2: Reassure the patient.
It's important for children and people who don't cope well with pain.Help him to remain calm while you treat the wound by having him sit or lay down.
Step 3: Use soap or an anti-bacterial solution to wash your hands.
This will help prevent infections.Rub alcohol on instruments you might use during treatment.These may include something.
Step 4: Warm water and soap can be used to clean a wound.
After washing the wound with soap and a clean cloth, cleanse it with warm water for between five and 15 minutes.
Step 5: It's time to stop the bleeding.
Minor puncture wounds don't bleed very profusely.Use a clean cloth to apply gentle, direct pressure on the wound.Bleeding may help to clean the wound.For about five minutes, you can allow small wounds to bleed.If the bleeding continues after several minutes of pressure, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Step 6: Take a look at the wound.
Check for foreign objects in the wound by looking at the size and depth.Stitches may be required for larger puncture wounds.The bleeding won't stop after five to 10 minutes if you observe any of the following signs.The wound is a quarter of an inch or more deep.Even if you can stop the bleeding, larger wounds need to be treated by a professional.There is an object in the skin.If you can't see anything, you should seek medical attention.The patient stepped on a nail or the wound was caused by a rusty object.A person has bitten another person.Infections are more likely to be caused by bites.The patient can't move the body part because it's numb.The wound may show signs of an illness, such as redness and swelling around the affected area, increasing pain or a throbbing sensation, or the patient may experience chills.
Step 7: Call for medical assistance.
There is an emergency medical center nearby.Major puncture wounds can only be treated by a medical professional.
Step 8: Put pressure on the wound.
If you don't have access to a clean cloth or bandage, you should use your hand.
Step 9: The body part should be raised.
If possible, raise the affected area above the patient's heart.This will help to control the bleeding.
Step 10: Don't remove objects from the skin.
Apply a thick padding of bandages or cloth around the object.Make sure the embedded object is not under a lot of pressure.
Step 11: The patient should be in a resting position.
The patient should be kept at rest for at least 10 minutes to help slow the bleeding.
Step 12: The patient needs to be monitored.
While you wait for medical assistance to arrive, monitor the wound and patient's condition.If the wound becomes soaked with blood, replace the bandages.Take care of the patient until medical assistance arrives.
Step 13: If the object is small, remove it.
Disinfectant tweezers can be used to remove splinters and sharp objects.Seek medical attention if you find a large object in your body.
Step 14: Clean the wound with dirt and small particles.
Rub the wound with a clean cloth.Wood, cloth, rubber, dirt and other materials can become embedded in a puncture wound and can be difficult to see at home.If you believe there are still foreign objects in the wound, seek medical attention.
Step 15: Take care of the wound.
If the puncture is free of debris and sharp objects, cover it with a bandage.Minor puncture wounds do not tend to be very large in size and are not prone to excessive bleeding, so you may not need a bandage.A bandage may be required to prevent debris from entering a puncture wound.You don't need a prescription for antibiotics like Neosporin.For two days, apply every 12 hours.A porous bandage or dressing won't stick to the wound.To make sure the wound stays dry.
Step 16: Take care of the affected area.
If possible, keep the affected area elevated above the heart after a minor puncture.The bandages should be changed if they get wet or dirty.The area should be dry for 24 to 48 hours.After 24 to 48 hours, wash the wound with soap and water.The use of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide is not recommended.It's a good idea to avoid activities that could cause a strain on the wound.
Step 17: The puncture should be monitored for infections.
It will take less than two weeks for minor puncture wounds to heal.If you notice any of the symptoms, you should immediately seek medical assistance.There was redness or swelling of the wound.Red streaks can be seen moving away from the wound.Pus or other discharges.The smell came from the wound.A high temperature of 100.4F (37C) is called a chill.There is swelling in the neck.
Step 18: If necessary, get a tetanus shot.
There is a risk of tetanus if a wound comes into contact with soil, manure or dirt.If more than 10 years have passed since the patient last had a tetanus shot, you should consult with your doctor.More than 5 years have passed since the patient last had a tetanus shot, if the object causing the injury was dirty or the wound is severe.The patient doesn't know when the last shot was.The patient has never received a tetanus shot.