PUNCTURE WOUNDS

FIRST AID Puncture wounds can be caused by pins, splinters, nails, and fishhooks. All can be dangerous because they allow germs into a wound that is hard to clean.

FIRST AID FOR PUNCTURE WOUNDS

Encourage the wound to bleed to help remove anything that might have been forced inside. Use tweezers sterilized over a flame or in boiling water to pull out splinters, bits of glass, or other objects you can see. Wash the area with soap and water, apply a steril bandage, and ge the victim to a doctor.

Removing a Fishhook

Someone snagged by a fishhook should cut the line and , if possible, let a doctor remove the hook from the flesh. In the backcountry you might have to do the job youself:

1. Push the hook farther in until the barb comes through the skin.
2. Snip off teh barb with pliers, wire cutters, or nail clippers.
3. Ease the shank of the hook back out through the point of entry.
4. Wash and bandage the wound.