Puncture Wounds: First Aid PDF
Document Details
Uploaded by xltheriot
Tags
Summary
This document provides first aid guidelines for puncture wounds, including those caused by animal bites. It covers different treatment approaches, depending on the severity of the bleeding. It also outlines steps to take when dealing with severe bleeding situations, emphasizing the importance of sanitizing hands.
Full Transcript
Puncture Wounds: First Aid A puncture wound does not usually cause excessive bleeding. Often the wound seems to close almost instantly, but that does not mean treatment is not necessary. A puncture wound — such as results from stepping on a nail — can be dangerous becaus...
Puncture Wounds: First Aid A puncture wound does not usually cause excessive bleeding. Often the wound seems to close almost instantly, but that does not mean treatment is not necessary. A puncture wound — such as results from stepping on a nail — can be dangerous because there ts the risk of infection. The puncturing object may carry tetanus or other bacteria, especially if exposed to the soil. Puncture wounds resulting from bites, including those of domestic dogs and cats, may be especially prone to infection, as are puncture wounds on the foot. For most punctures, follow the steps under “Cuts and Scrapes: First Aid”. If the puncture is deep, continues to bleed, is in your foot, is contami- nated, or due to an animal bite, consult a doctor who will evaluate, clean and, if needed, close the wound. ‘The doctor may also recom- mend a tetanus shot booster within 48 hours of the injury, if the wounded has not had a tetanus shot within five years. If an animal — especially a stray dog or wild animal — is the biter, you may have been exposed to rabies. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics and a series of rabies vaccinations. Cases of rabies should be reported to county health officials. If you suspect your pet has rabies, have it confined for 10 days of observation by a veterinarian. Severe Bleeding: First Aid Severe bleeding requires different treatment than minor scrapes and cuts and must be tended to promptly. Look for signs of heavy bleed- ing or blood gushing from the wound. Cover the wound with gauze or medical dressing, if clotting doesn't begin to occur within a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately. For other cases of severe bleeding, follow these steps: +» Sanitize your hands. If available before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves. 138
