Cuts and puncture wounds: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now if:

   • Bleeding is heavy, spurting, or does not stop with firm direct pressure
   • The wound is very deep, gaping, or exposes fat, muscle, tendon, or bone
   • A large or deeply embedded object remains in place
   • Part of the body has been partly or completely cut off
   • The injury involves the eye, neck, chest, abdomen, or a major blood vessel
   • The area becomes pale, blue, cold, numb, weak, or difficult to move
   • The wound came from high-pressure equipment or moving machinery

   Apply pressure around it, keep it as still as possible, and seek emergency help.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange prompt, same-day medical advice for a deep puncture, nail-through-shoe injury, bite, contaminated wound, or cut that may need closing.

   Also seek prompt care if your tetanus vaccination history is incomplete or uncertain, or if the injury could involve rabies.

   Contact a healthcare professional promptly if redness spreads, pain or swelling increases, pus appears, the wound develops a bad smell, red streaks extend from it, or you develop a fever or feel unwell.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for dressing checks, stitch or staple removal, scar concerns, or mild symptoms that are improving as expected.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cuts and puncture wounds. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.