This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. It is provided for preview while expert review is in progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Knife or sharp object wound — object may still be in place.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Do not pull knife out. Pressure around it. Keep still.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Visible blade or puncture with blood soaking clothes.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Difficulty breathing if chest involved.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Knife may tamponade vessel — removal releases fatal bleed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Chest stab can collapse lung.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Stabilize object if impaled — pad around it tape in place.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pressure direct if no object — both hands on wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Chest — sit upright if breathing easier. Abdomen — knees up if shock.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Monitor consciousness and breathing continuously.
When and how to get professional help.
Chest abdomen neck stab always surgical emergency.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Control bleeding stabilize. Object removal is hospital task.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — 112 — stab wound location object in or out breathing status.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Clear path for ambulance stretcher.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT remove knife or glass from wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT probe depth with fingers.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pull the knife out quickly to reduce pain
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Removing object removes plug — accelerates bleeding.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Exsanguination before ambulance arrives.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Blast injury
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bomb, gas, or industrial blast caused injury — multiple hidden trauma types.
Carjacking
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Armed person forcing driver out or forcing entry while occupied.
Civil unrest
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Demonstration turned violent with projectiles, fires, or clashes with security forces.
Domestic violence
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Physical or sexual violence in home — victim or witness needs safety now.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Operating theatre required for most torso stabs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tetanus and antibiotics in hospital.