When someone suffers an injury such as those sustained in Haiti during and after the recent earthquake, professional medical attention should of course be sought. However, as is all too horribly evident, in many cases such basic facilities just are not available to Haitians in dire need.

For the next few days, we will be posting a multi-part blog which will briefly go over some basic techniques that you can use in the worst of times, when you are the only medical attention present.

Part 1: Puncture Wounds
A puncture wound doesn't usually cause excessive bleeding. Often the wound seems to close almost instantly. But these features don't mean treatment isn't necessary, especially because of the risk of infection.

You can provide assistance for a puncture wound using the following 6 steps:

• Stop the bleeding.

• Clean the wound. Properly cleaning the wound and removing particles can reduce the risk of tetanus.

• Apply the antibiotic (if available).

• Cover the wound. Exposure to air speeds healing, but bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out.

• Change the dressing.

• Watch for signs of infection.