How to Treat a Stab Wound

A stab wound is a puncture of the skin with a sharp object. Thus, a stab wound can be a finger prick, or a knife wound in a major body area. In any case, any stab wound that breaks the skin and causes bleeding needs to be treated. There are a few vital things you need to adequately treat a stab wound.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Apply pressure directly to the wound to control bleeding. If the wound is deep and near a major artery, apply pressure to the artery near the wound to stem blood flow.

2. Elevate the wounded area, if possible. If the wound is on a hand or foot, elevate the limb to lessen blood flow.

3. Lie still, as moving around stimulates blood flow. Keep warm. Blood loss and shock lowers body temperature.

4. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing, if available. If what you are using for dressing is not sterile, make sure it's as clean as possible. It is essential to cover a stab wound as soon as possible.

5. Seek medical assistance immediately. Call 911 or get to a hospital, if possible. Getting immediate medical attention decreases the chances of infection.

Tips & Warnings

• If stab wound is minor, treat by washing with warm water and soap, apply an antibacterial cream and bandage wound.
• Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil taped over the bandages when covering the wound to make as airtight as possible.
• Don't remove a knife or other object from a stab wound if removing the object causes further bleeding. Cover the wound around the object and get the person to a hospital immediately.
• Don't move if the wound is too severe and bleeding is heavy. Call 911 and instruct medical personnel to come to you.
• Don't use gauze to cover a stab wound. Gauze sticks to wounds.

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