You’ll need to act quickly when dealing with a victim who has been impaled by an object. As a first aider, your priority is to stop serious bleeding and call for expert medical help. Let’s take a closer look at the first aid steps for dealing with a victim who has been impaled.

Call for Emergency Medical Help

Dial 911 or your local emergency number to summon expert medical help.

Don’t Remove the Object

As a first aider, you should not do anything to the victim that could worsen their condition. Don’t remove the embedded object as this could worsen severe bleeding and lead to the development of shock. Although the victim may be very distressed, try to prevent them from removing or moving the object as this is likely to make any bleeding worse. 

Apply Pressure Around the Object

Direct pressure is normally the best way to stop serious bleeding. However, you should not apply pressure to the embedded object. If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply pressure around the object in order to stem the blood loss. If a first aid kit is available, then use bandages to build up padding around the object and secure these in place.

Keep the Victim Still

Further movement of the victim or the object could worsen the internal injuries caused by the object damaging the underlying tissues. Try to keep the victim as still as possible. Only move them if their life is in immediate danger. Otherwise, keep them still until expert medical help arrives. 

Monitor for Shock

If the victim is losing blood, they are at risk of going into shock. Shock is a medical emergency that occurs when the cells of the body do not receive enough oxygen. If a victim loses too much blood, there is less blood available in the body to carry oxygen resulting in shock. 

Signs of shock developing in a victim include:

• Pale clammy skin
• Confusion
• Weak rapid pulse
• Reducing level of consciousness