G’day. I hope this message finds you free from injury or illness. However, things go wrong from time to time.

Recently I heard of a case where someone on a station suffered a pretty nasty impalement. Impalements are also referred to as embedded objects.

If you’ve got yourself an embedded object wound, it’s important to give it the proper treatment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle it:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation: Take a deep breath and try to keep a cool head. Take a good look at the wound and try to determine the extent of the injury.
2. Clean your hands: Before touching the wound, make sure your hands are squeaky clean. Give ’em a good scrub with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitisor if you’re on the go.
3. Control bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth around the object (indirect pressure) or your hand to stop the flow. Elevate the affected area, if possible, to help reduce bleeding.
4. Don’t pull out the embedded object: Now, this is important! Unless the object is causing immediate danger, such as blocking an airway or pressing on a major blood vessel, you should leave it be. Removing it yourself might make things worse and cause more damage. Let the professionals handle it.
5. Cover the wound: Grab a clean cloth or a sterile dressing and gently cover the wound to protect it from further contamination. Avoid using adhesive tapes directly on the wound, as they can stick to it and cause more pain when removed.
6. Seek medical help: It’s time to get yourself over to a healthcare professional. Call an ambulance or RFDS if the wound is severe, heavily bleeding, or if you’re unsure about what to do. They’ll assess the situation, provide the necessary treatment, and remove the embedded object safely if needed.

Remember, I’m not a doctor, and these steps are just general advice. Every situation is unique, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

Take care of yourself.

*Image: https://makezine.com/article

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By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training.