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Foreign Body
Impalement
Scenario:
Foreign body impalement during mountain biking usually results from meeting a stiff twig
at high speed, or falling onto something long and thin.
Description:
Unless you're sure it's just a shallow splinter, foreign body injuries should be treated
by the doctor. It's important to assess for deep injury, avoid leaving foreign material
behind in the wound, and guard against infection.This patient
shot a finishing nail into his finger with a nailgun. Mountain bikers usually pull the
foreign body out at the scene, because it's hard to bike out with a stick poking in your
body. |
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The puncturing object can injure an artery, nerve, or tendon. Any time
there's a foreign body, there's contamination. These injuries have a high liability for
complications.
This sewing needle has penetrated the fingernail. There's a
high likelihood that cotton fibers from the thread have contaminated the tissues just
under the nail. Infection is certain unless the needle is removed properly and the
underside of fingernail is opened and cleaned of fibers. |
Immediate care:
If possible, stabilize the foreign body in place. (Remove it only if it's the only way you
can get back to civilization.) Squirt Betadine solution around the foreign body. Wad up
some roll gauze and place it around the foreign body to stabilize it, then gently wrap the
gauze around the extremity. Don't move the object. Go to the doctor or emergency room.
Fish Hook
Scenario:
Yes, believe it or not, bikers can be stuck with fish hooks. Consider the Lake Shore trail
at Fish Lake, the Jordan River Parkway in Utah County, and the Provo River Parkway. People
are casting, with bikers cruising by behind them.
Description:
A fish hook can often be removed at home, if it's not in a tricky area. After removing the
hook, it can be treated as you would any other puncture wound.To remove a hook at home
it must be:
AWAY from eyes, lips, ears, and fingernails
and on a smooth flat area of skin
Treble (3-pronged) fish hook in the neck. |
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To remove the hook, wrap a strong twine around the curve of hook, right
where it enters the skin. Make one loop around the hook (so the hook won't fly away when
it's pulled out). Hold the string back in the direction OPPOSITE the fish line.
Push down on the shaft of the hook with your finger (this disengages the barb). Keep your
finger pressing down firmly over the entire hook while you pull the string back quickly
and strongly. The hook should pop right out. |
After removal:
Clean the area with Betadine and bandage.
Watch for:
See the doctor if there is redness around the wound, red streaks, swelling, drainage,
fever, tender bumps in the groin or armpit upsteam from the wound, or an unexplained
increase in pain or tenderness.
Foreign Body under Nail
Scenario:
During a fall, it's easy to jam a piece of wood under an unprotected fingernail when
biking with short-fingered gloves (or no gloves).
Description:
Small foreign bodies under the nail, such as tiny splinters can be removed at home. Large
objects are best treated by the doctor.Tiny sliver under the
fingernail. How do you get to it? |
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Immediate care:
You'll need to get as close as possible to the nail bed. Notch the nail back with
fingernail clippers. Grasp the splinter as close to the skin as possible and gently pull
back. After removal, clean the area with Betadine, and dress.Splinter
forceps are extremely sharp and tiny tweezers that cost about $4. It could be the best
investment you ever make. |
Watch for:
See the doctor if there is redness around the wound, red streaks, swelling, drainage,
fever, tender bumps in the groin or armpit upsteam from the wound, pus under the
nail, or an unexplained increase in pain or tenderness.
[First Aid Index Page]
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