(3) Control profuse bleeding. Place your hand so that your fingers are on
either side of the impaled object, your hand exerting pressure down. If the impaled
object has a sharp edge (a glass shard or a knife, for example), be careful in exerting
pressure. You do not want to injure the patient further or cut your hands.
(4) Stabilize the impaled object. As another person stabilizes the impaled
object, put several layers of bulky dressing around the injury site. Make sure the
impaled object is surrounded by dressings on all sides.
(5) Secure the dressings. Use adhesive strips to hold the dressings if the
area around the wound site is free enough from blood and sweat so that adhesive sticks
to the skin. Use cravats if adhesive will not stick to the skin. Tie one cravat above the
impaled object and one below the impaled object.
(6)
Treat for shock, if necessary.
(7)
Keep the patient quiet and give emotional support.
(8)Evacuate the patient to a medical treatment facility.
NOTE:
Impaled objects in the eye or cheek require special procedures.
f. Animal Bites. An animal's mouth is heavily contaminated with bacteria, and
serious infection may result if the bite occurs on the hand or face. Treat in this manner:
(1) Wash the bite vigorously with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.
This is to remove the animal's saliva.
(2)
Flush the wound with a viricidal agent.
(3)
Apply a sterile dressing (if the wound is in a location that you can do so).
(4)
DO NOT suture the wound unless you must do so to stop profuse
bleeding.
(5) DO NOT stop bleeding right away unless it is profuse. The flow of blood
helps cleanse the wound.
(6) Evacuate the patient to a medical treatment facility for tetanus toxoid
and rabies precautions, as necessary.
MD0576
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