Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Puncture Wound Treatment
Call 911 if a puncture wound:
Bleeds excessively
Spurts blood
Does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure
Is to the chest, abdomen, or neck and there are any 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 was to the chest, abdomen, or neck but there are no emergency symptoms
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
1. Remove the Object if You Can
If the object that caused the puncture is small and you can easily remove it, do so.
2. Stop the Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops.
3. 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.
4. Treat Pain
For pain, give ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
5. 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 health care provider.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
Seattle Children's Hospital: "Puncture Wound."
University of Michigan Health System: "Puncture Wounds."
American College of Emergency Physicians: "What to Do in a Medical Emergency: Cuts and Abrasions."