First Aid for Sports Injuries

PUNCTURE

Produced by pointed objects (splinters, nails, fishhooks) penetrating the skin.

1. Wear latex gloves to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.

2. Remain calm and in control. Reassure the bleeding person using a calm, firm voice.

3. Remove foreign objects in the skin with a tweezers or a sterilized (with flame or alcohol pad) sewing needle.

4. Objects lodged deep in the skin should be removed by a health care professional.

1. Let the wound bleed for a few minutes to permit dirt, particles, and bacteria to be carried out of the wound.

2. Wash with soap and warm water. Antiseptic, while unnecessary, may be applied if desired.

3. Dress the wound with a sterile adhesive strip or gauze bandage secured with adhesive or surgical tape.

4. Remove the dressing and cleanse the wound 4-5 times a day for 4-5 days.

• the wound is on the face, trunk, hand, foot, or joint.

• bleeding is severe and will not stop.

• numbness or a tingling sensation occurs.

• blood spurts forcefully from the wound.

• the wound was sustained through a shoe or other clothing.

• there is doubt that all foreign matter has been removed from the wound.

• signs of infection occur (pus, redness, swelling, fever).

• a tetanus shot has not been received within the previous 5 years.