This page will help you prepare and act appropriately to provide first aid for shrapnel wounds.

When does a shrapnel injury occur?

First aid is applied when injuries occur due to shrapnel from glass or other sharp objects that a person is exposed to, either at work or at home. It should be done immediately upon injury to reduce harm and prevent infection or blood loss.

What are the symptoms of shrapnel injuries?

1. Pain: A feeling of pain in the area penetrated by the shrapnel.
2. Bleeding: Bleeding may occur if the shrapnel enters the skin.
3. Swelling and Redness: The affected area may become swollen and red due to inflammation.
4. Visible Shrapnel: Some shrapnel may be visible on or beneath the skin’s surface.
5. Difficulty Moving: If shrapnel penetrates the muscles or joints, movement may be affected.
6. Potential Infection: If the shrapnel is not removed properly, it can lead to inflammation or infection. Fever or the presence of pus at the wound site may indicate an infection.
7. Numbness or Tingling: If the shrapnel affects nearby nerves, numbness or tingling may occur.

How do you handle a shrapnel injury?

You can usually safely remove a small foreign body located under the skin, such as a splinter, thorn, or piece of fiberglass. Here are the first aid steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and clean the affected area with water and soap.
2. Use alcohol-sterilized tweezers to remove the foreign object. You may use a magnifying glass to improve visibility.
3. If the foreign object is beneath the skin’s surface, sterilize a clean, sharp needle with alcohol. Use the needle to gently break the skin over the foreign object and lift the edge.
4. Use the tweezers to grasp the edge of the foreign object and remove it.
5. Wash the area again and dry it gently, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment.

Seek medical help in the following cases:

• If it is difficult to see the foreign body, such as transparent glass, or it does not come out easily.
• If the injury is in or near the eye.
• If the wound is deep or dirty, and the injured person has not had a tetanus shot in over five years. A doctor may recommend a booster dose.

Emergency numbers in Gulf countries:

– Saudi Arabia: 997

– United Arab Emirates: 998

– Kuwait: 112

– Bahrain: 999

– Qatar: 999

– Oman: 9999

– Yemen: 195