What to do with wounds with impaled objects?

• A. Remove object carefully
• B. Do not remove impaled object; stabilize and wrap around impaled object
• C. Apply tourniquet above object
• D. Cut around object

Answer: (B)

When a wound contains an impaled object, the immediate goal is to prevent further injury by keeping the object from moving. Do not remove the object in the field because pulling it out can tear vessels, nerves, and internal tissues and may trigger life-threatening bleeding. Instead, stabilize the object with bulky dressings and padding, and secure it so it cannot shift during transport. This approach minimizes additional damage and buys time for definitive care.

Cutting around the object isn’t helpful and can worsen tissue injury or bleeding. A tourniquet is reserved for situations with life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by other means, but it isn’t the standard action for all impaled wounds; the priority remains stabilizing the object and controlling bleeding with dressings.