Health & Wellbeing

How To Help With A Foreign Object In A Cut

Here's some great advice on what to do if you get a foreign object such as metal or glass embedded in a cut. Follow these easy steps and then seek medical advice. Enlarge

How To Help With A Foreign Object In A Cut

Here's some great advice on what to do if you get a foreign object such as metal or glass embedded in a cut. Follow these easy steps and then seek medical advice.

Step 1: You will need

  • disposable gloves
  • sterile gauze pads
  • soft padding
  • roller bandage

Step 2: Make the person comfortable

Sit them down and resting the injured part out on a table or stool if possible. This will help them to keep still while you suppress the bleeding.

Step 3: Wash your hands thoroughly

Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and dry them. Put on a pair of disposable gloves if you have them.

Step 4: Suppress bleeding

Suppress bleeding by putting pressure on either side of the foreign object. Try elevating the injured area by raising it above heart level which will slightly reduce blood flow and therefore bleeding.

Step 5: Cover the wound

Then lightly cover the wound with gauze padding to help reduce the risk of infection.

Step 6: Pad around object

Next pad around the foreign object until it is high enough for you to bandage over it without pressing down on the object.

If it is not possible to pad to the height of the object, simply bandage around the foreign object.

Step 7: Keep padding in place

It’s important to carefully hold the padding in place until you have finished bandaging.

To apply a roller bandage, watch VideoJug film ‘How To Apply A Roller Bandage’

Step 8: Seek medical advice

Immediately arrange for the injured person to be taken to hospital. Medical advice should also be sought regarding tetanus immunization.