Scrapes and cuts are considered minor injuries and can be treated easily from the contents of a first aid kit. The risk of infection is small and the wounds are not painful. Healing time is relatively quick. However, a puncture is another story. Punctures, while small, should never be taken lightly. A puncture wound is a penetration of the skin with a sharp object. An insignificant wound can actually be hiding considerable damage beneath the skin, which we cannot readily see. Because the wound is deep, the chances of infection are much greater.

– Blood borne pathogens training tells us that a puncture presents a much greater chance of passing on whatever blood borne pathogen a patient is being treated for, if there is an accidental needing stick, than a scratch. This is especially true if the needle has been in a patient\’s artery. Aside from this type of high-risk puncture, there are other indications that dictate we should treat puncture wounds with much more care than other lacerations or cuts. If an object still protrudes from the skin, seek medical attention immediately.

– Never pull the protruding object from the wound. You could cause more damage pulling out an object than it caused going in. Gently pack the area around the puncture with clean wet gauze or cloth.

– Allow the wound to bleed clean. If there is nothing protruding, do not apply pressure unless there is excessive or spurting blood.

– If the puncture is not so serious that emergency services is needed, use soapy water to wash the area. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean a puncture wound. Use tweezers soaked in alcohol to pick out any debris. If gentle patting with a clean cloth does not stop the bleeding, apply gentle pressure and elevate the wound above heart level if possible.

– Puncture wounds do not require antiseptics as these might cause pain. Antibiotic ointments will help with infection; however, do not put the ointment directly on the puncture wound. Instead, spread the ointment on the bandage before you apply it to the wound.

– Keep the area dry and clean and change the sterile dressing at least once per day.

– Soaking the wound in warm water several times a day will promote healing.

– Puncture wounds need to be watched carefully for signs of infection. The deepness of the wound makes it more dangerous should an infection occur.

A Well Stocked Kit

If a puncture wound does not heal well within two weeks, seek medical help from a professional. Even minor wounds can become serious if infection should develop. Infected wounds take much longer to heal and will leave a more prominent scar than other wounds. Having a well thought out and well stocked first aid kit will help you to be prepared for any kind of minor wound. After any deep puncture wound, the patient should see a doctor for a tetanus shot to prevent lockjaw if they have not had one in the last five years or have not completed their primary tetanus series.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: emergency services ,Blood borne pathogens training ,Healing time ,Wounds,HIPAA Security Rule