Splinter removal: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for bleeding that is heavy and does not stop with firm pressure, or for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

   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 is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • 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

   Contact your healthcare team promptly if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, pus, an unpleasant smell, fever, or red streaking from the wound.

   Also call if the wound reopens, bleeding keeps returning, or you feel that part of the object remains.

   Seek urgent assessment for new numbness, weakness, loss of movement, pale or blue skin beyond the wound, severe worsening pain, or an object near or in the eye.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate if these do not gradually improve.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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