A stabbing is a severe trauma requiring immediate and decisive action, as massive blood loss (hemorrhage) can lead to death in minutes. This information serves strictly as immediate first aid guidance for a life-threatening emergency and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Survival often depends on the speed and calmness of the person providing care. Rapid, focused intervention to control bleeding and manage shock is the most important factor in the first few moments after the injury.
The First Moments Immediate Response
The first action must be to assess the immediate environment for safety, ensuring the injured person and the rescuer are removed from any continuing danger. Once a safe zone is established, immediately contact emergency medical services by calling 911 or the local emergency number. Communicate clearly, providing the precise location, the nature of the injury, and a brief description of the victim’s state.
Encourage the injured person to lie down and remain as still as possible to slow circulation and prevent fainting. Movement increases the rate of blood loss and can complicate internal injuries. A flat back position is generally safest. If the wound is on an arm or leg, slightly elevating the limb above heart level can help reduce blood flow, though direct pressure remains the primary method of control.
If the victim is conscious, offer calm reassurance and maintain a steady dialogue to monitor their mental status. Keep them relaxed and still, conserving energy and minimizing the physiological stress response. Do not waste time searching for a first-aid kit or specialized supplies before calling for help and initiating direct pressure.
Stabilizing the Wound and Stopping Blood Loss
Control of external hemorrhage must be the immediate focus, as the rapid loss of blood volume is the most immediate threat to life. Apply direct, continuous pressure onto the wound site using the cleanest material available, such as a thick pad, clean cloth, or your bare hands. The pressure must be firm enough to compress damaged blood vessels and encourage clotting.
If the initial material becomes saturated with blood, do not remove it, as this may dislodge forming clots and restart bleeding. Instead, layer additional material directly on top and continue to apply pressure without interruption. Maintaining uninterrupted pressure is more effective than releasing it to check the wound or change dressings.
Never remove an impaled object, such as a knife or piece of glass, if it is still embedded in the body. The object acts as a temporary plug, and removing it can cause rapid blood loss from a severed vessel. Apply firm pressure around the object’s base, using bulky dressings to stabilize it in place and prevent movement that could cause further internal damage.
If severe bleeding on a limb does not stop with direct pressure, a commercial tourniquet may be necessary. Place the tourniquet two to three inches closer to the body from the wound, but never over a joint. Wound packing involves tightly stuffing a wound cavity with gauze and then applying pressure. This advanced technique is used for deep wounds in areas like the torso or groin where a tourniquet cannot be applied effectively.
Recognizing and Treating Traumatic Shock
Hypovolemic shock following a stabbing occurs when the body loses a significant amount of blood, causing a drop in blood pressure and inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Recognizing the signs of shock is important, as it can be fatal even if external bleeding appears controlled. Symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse and pale, cool, and clammy skin as blood is shunted away from the extremities to protect core organs.
The victim may also exhibit rapid, shallow breathing, confusion, or anxiety due to the lack of oxygen reaching the brain. To manage this condition, maintain the victim’s body temperature by covering them with a blanket or coat, as hypothermia can worsen the effects of shock and impede clotting. Keep the victim lying flat on their back.
If there is no suspected injury to the head, neck, or torso, slightly elevating the feet approximately 6 to 12 inches can help encourage blood return to the core organs. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink, as this could complicate necessary emergency surgery. Continuous monitoring of their consciousness and breathing is paramount until medical help arrives.
The Transition to Professional Medical Care
When paramedics arrive, provide a concise report of the incident and the first aid administered. Clearly communicate the mechanism of injury, the estimated blood loss, and the exact location and nature of any applied pressure or tourniquet, including the time it was applied. This information is vital for the medical team’s immediate treatment decisions.
Do not remove the dressings or release the pressure applied to the wound; this must be maintained until the medical team takes over bleeding control. Once in professional care, the victim will immediately receive advanced life support, typically involving fluid resuscitation to stabilize blood pressure and manage shock. The victim will then be rapidly transported to a trauma center where a surgeon can assess and repair internal damage.
Hospital intervention focuses on identifying the full extent of internal injuries, which may involve imaging like CT scans to detect organ damage or internal bleeding. Definitive care involves surgical repair of damaged blood vessels and organs. Secondary risks, including infection and the need for tetanus prophylaxis, are also addressed, ensuring comprehensive treatment follows the immediate life-saving efforts.