Stab wounds are severe injuries, posing immediate threats from bleeding, organ damage, and infection. Knowing the correct immediate response is crucial, as swift first aid can significantly influence the outcome. Proper intervention can help stabilize the situation before professional medical help arrives.
The Immediate Rule
When an object remains embedded in a stab wound, never remove it. This applies to any impaled object, including glass, metal, or sticks. The object may be plugging the wound, preventing severe blood loss. Removing it could transform a contained injury into a life-threatening hemorrhage.
Why Not Remove the Object
The main reason not to remove an impaled object is that it acts as a physical plug, applying pressure to damaged blood vessels and tissues. Removing this obstruction can immediately lead to rapid, uncontrollable bleeding, both externally and internally. Such hemorrhage, especially from major arteries or veins, can quickly cause hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening condition caused by significant blood loss.
Beyond controlling bleeding, the impaled object might be piercing organs or nerves. Its removal without surgical precision can cause further damage to surrounding tissues, blood vessels, or nerves, exacerbating the initial injury. Internal damage is often unknown without medical imaging, making removal outside a controlled medical environment dangerous.
What to Do Instead
First, immediately call emergency services, such as 911 or your local equivalent. While waiting for professional help, stabilize the impaled object to prevent movement. Place bulky dressings, clean cloths, or other soft materials around the object, building them up to create a supportive barrier. Secure these materials with tape or bandages, ensuring no pressure is applied directly onto the object.
Next, apply firm, direct pressure to the wound around the impaled object to control external bleeding. Monitor the injured person for signs of shock, such as pale skin, coldness, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. Keep the person lying flat and still. If possible, elevate an injured limb above heart level to reduce blood flow, unless the wound is in the chest or abdomen. Avoid pushing the object further in, cleaning the wound, or giving the person anything to eat or drink.
What to Expect from Medical Care
Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel will assess the injury while maintaining the object’s stabilization. They will transport the patient safely to a medical facility, often a trauma center. At the hospital, a comprehensive evaluation will include advanced imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, to precisely locate the object and identify internal damage.
The surgical team will remove the impaled object in a controlled operating room. This setting allows for immediate control of bleeding, repair of damaged structures, and infection prevention. Following removal, the wound will be thoroughly cleaned and repaired. The patient will receive ongoing treatment, including antibiotics and pain management. Professional medical evaluation is essential for proper healing and minimizing long-term complications.