First Aid on Puncture Wound

First Aid on Puncture Wound (small hole in the skin that may caused by an object piercing the skin, it can be on the surface of skin or may be deep in which depending on the source and cause).

Ussualy the wounds close fairly quickly on their own and does not result in excessive bleeding, but these wound can be dangerous case. A puncture wound also need a first aid treatment to prevent infection or tetanus.

First aid action on the puncture wound are :
- Stop bleeding by apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If the blood spurts or continues to flow after several minutes of pressure, call emergency medical services (EMS) team or ambulance.
- Check the wound, during the first aid action see that nothing is left from the object (may be a piece is missing and stuck in the wound).

- Clean the wound using clear water. If larger debris still remains more deeply embedded in the wound, see your doctor.

- Apply an antibiotic on the wound area (Neosporin, Polysporin) to discourage infection. Cover the wound with bandages to keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out, try to do the dressing regularly.

- Monitor about signs of infection. See the doctor if the wound doesn't heal or if you notice any redness, drainage, warmth or swelling.

- If the puncture is deep, on the foot, dirty or contaminated object and the victim haven't had a tetanus injection within five years, the doctor may recommend a booster within 48 hours of the injury. Puncture is result of an animal (stray dog or a wild animal) or human bite, antibiotics is needed and suggest initiation of a rabies vaccination series.