Puncture Or Wound :
- Bleeds excessively
- Spurts blood
- Does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- Is to the chest, abdomen, or neck
- Is accompanied by an emergency symptoms: severe pain, fast breathing or trouble breathing, vomiting, dizziness, unconsciousness
- Is to the eye or in the throat. Leave the object in place. Keep the person calm.
Call or see a health care provider immediately if:
- The object that caused the puncture wound cannot be easily removed
- The puncture wound is deep, on the face, or touching bone
- The wound is visibly dirty
- The wound is an animal or human bite
- The wound occurred through the bottom of a shoe — stepping on a nail
for example
Remove the Object if You Can:
- If the object that caused the puncture is small and you can easily remove it, do so.
Stop the Bleeding:
- Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops.
Clean and Protect the Wound:
- Rinse the wound under clean water for several minutes. Then wash the area with mild soap and water and rinse again.
- Apply an antibiotic cream.
- Use a sterile bandage to protect the puncture wound from dirt or further injury.
Treat Pain:
- For pain, give painkillers
- Follow-up
- See a healthcare provider for any signs of infection: redness, increasing pain, swelling, or pus at the site.
- Ask the health care provider if a tetanus shot is needed.
- Some wounds may need antibiotics. Ask the healthcare