How to Dress a Puncture Wound

Unlike lacerations or other field wounds, a puncture wound does not usually bleed very much. However, the longer-term risk of infection is much higher due to the possibility of debris. So, you must take extra care and be cautious when dressing a puncture wound. Read on to learn how to dress a puncture wound.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gauze bandage
• Athletic tape
• Adhesive bandages
• Soap/saline solution
• Antibiotic ointment

Clean the Wound

1. Apply a piece of gauze directly to the wound until the bleeding stops. If the gauze soaks through, put another piece on top of it. Do not take the original gauze off until bleeding is stopped.

2. Clean the wound and the surrounding area carefully, using either soap and water or a saline solution. If time is not a factor, clean the wound twice.

3. Apply antibiotic ointment to both the wound and the surrounding area once the wound is clean and no longer bleeding. This is very important and is key to stopping infection.

Dress the Wound

4. Apply more antibiotic ointment to one bandage and affix it to the wound if the wound is small. However, if the wound is larger, apply ointment to a sterile piece of gauze and affix that to the wounded area using athletic tape.

5. Change the dressing every six to eight hours. When doing so, take special care to examine the wound closely. If there are any signs of infection, seek medical help immediately. If not, continue to apply antibiotic ointment at every dressing.

Tips & Warnings

• If the bleeding is heavy or the object that caused the puncture wound seems unsanitary, you should still dress the wound, but seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
• Try to carry a first aid kit whenever you go hiking or take off on a similar outdoor adventure. You can pick up a Johnson & Johnson kit from Amazon. See the Resources section for a link.
• Be especially prudent when cleaning a puncture wound. Just because it looks clean doesn't necessarily mean it is clean. Clean it extra.
• Be constantly aware of infection. When dressing a puncture wound, check for signs that the wound is becoming infected. These can include swelling, skin discoloration and pus. If the wound displays these things, seek medical help immediately. As in most cases, it is much better to be proactive and safe.
• Don't lose your nerves. Keeping a cool head will help sooth the wounded person's nerves and make the job go more smoothly.

Resources

• Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit

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