A kind of penetrating trauma, a stab wound occurs by a thrust of the skin. It usually occurs in the form of a knife but any sharp-pointed objects may cause a stab wound. Damage caused by stab wounds are usually deeper rather than wide causing not just external damage but more importantly, internal injuries. Internal injuries caused by a stab wound usually follow the path the weapon took internally. The abdomen is the most common site for stab wounds, where plenty of internal organs are found.
Enrol in First Aid Courses and CPR Training to learn how to manage a stab wound and other potentially dangerous situations.
Signs and Symptoms of Stab Wound
Plenty of individuals who suffer from a stab wound are victims of violence, such as robbery or murder. The following signs and symptoms are common of a stab wound:
- Laceration
- Puncture wound that is usually thin and long
- Bleeding, usually mild
- Pain and swelling around the wound
- Numbness of skin around the wound
- Organ damage
- Infection: redness, swelling or pus discharge
A severe stab wound may present with the following symptoms:
- Fatigue or severe weakness
- Feeling faint, even actually fainting
- Cool extremities due to poor circulation
- Pale skin
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
First Aid Management for Stab Wound
In cases of a stab wound, it is best to assess the situation before giving any help. As previously mentioned, stabbing usually occurs out of violence, and the attackers may still be in the area. Never put one’s self in danger. The following steps are recommended to help manage a stab wound:
- To minimize risk for infection, wear gloves. If gloves are not available, wash hands thoroughly to make sure they are very clean. Avoid contact with blood of the victim.
- Check the victim’s airway. If blood is present in the mouth, gently assist the victim to their left side.
- To help identify the exact location of the stab wound, gently remove the victim’s clothing.
- If the stabbing object is still stuck on the skin, do not remove to minimize blood loss. Using a sterile cloth, put a dressing around the stabbing wound. Apply pressure around the wound to stop bleeding.
- If the stabbing object was already removed, use any clean dressing or absorbent cloth to apply direct pressure on the stab wound
- If bleeding does not stop, apply pressure on the major artery leading to the area where it is bleeding by pushing down on the bone and applying pressure using the pads of the fingers.
- A tourniquet may be applied if bleeding persists.
- Cover the dressing using a bandage or tape.
- Previous dressing should not be removed to prevent the wound from bleeding again.
- Continue to apply pressure on the wound and monitor circulation until emergency services arrive.
- If the victim losses consciousness, play the victim in the recovery position.
- If breathing and pulse are absent, initiate CPR.
Specific First Aid Instructions for Stab Wound to the Different Parts of the Body
A stab wound to the chest, albeit less common, can prove to be more fatal due to the presence of the heart and several major arteries and veins of the body. The following steps are recommended to help manage a stab wound to the chest:
- Chest: place a plastic bag over the wound and tape only three sides to allow air to escape from one side of the bandage while preventing air to enter the pleural cavity.
- Limbs: First stop bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. Ensure that the stab wound is elevated above the level of the heart to minimize blood loss.
A stab wound occurs when a sharp object, usually a knife, penetrates the skin causing internal damage to the body.