How to Treat a Puncture Wound

Series Summary

Home injuries are common and most people eventually find themselves in emergency situations where staying calm and using one's heads is needed. In a crisis, or in a situation like choking or heat exhaustion, it is important to be prepared. Knowing how to react can mean the difference between life and death. Things like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich Maneuver are necessary treatments that every man, woman and child be able to perform. Do you know how to do CPR? What if a friend was choking, would you know what to do? Joe Bruni is a veteran firefighter and life saver with more than 30 years of experience. He demonstrates a few easy, but important, treatments for common life-threatening occurrences. Learn how to care for nose bleeds, stitches, bandages, involving dislocated joints and more. The Heimlich Maneuver and CPR are just two of the standard treatments everyone should know how to perform. These videos provide the assurance that when needed you will know how to react.

Video Transcript

"You know, throughout daily activity, as individuals, we're all going to receive minor injuries, cuts, and scrapes. I'm Captain Joe Bruni, and what I want to talk about is how to treat the common puncture wound. The common puncture wound could be a pretty painful process. Keep in mind, the area needs to be disinfected and cleaned after the injury. If the object is still impaled do not remove the object by pulling it out of the body. This could cause further damage. It should be cleaned and packaged and taped off in place until a trip to the emergency room or the doctor's office for removal can take place. If the object has come out on its own, or been removed, clean the area with some type of sterilized tweezers to remove any dirt or any remaining debris, dead skin, clotted blood, or anything else that may cause secondary infection. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, apply some type of antibacterial antiseptic type cleansing solution, and then bandage the wound and monitor for secondary signs of infection. Also, a tetanus shot may be in order after a puncture type of injury. I'm Captain Joe Bruni. Stay safe, and we'll see ya' next time."