Reference protocol
🪵 Subcutaneous foreign body
PROTOCOL FOR SPLINTER INJURY
Version May 20, 2022
PROTOCOL — SPLINTER INJURY
Is the foreign body accessible?
NO
Leave in place
and seek care at a
hospital by calling 911
and seek care at a
hospital by calling 911
YES
🩺 Remove the foreign body
using sterile
Slow, controlled manipulation · Along the axis of the splinter
using sterile
Slow, controlled manipulation · Along the axis of the splinter
Did the attempt fail?
YES — Failure
Leave in place
and seek care at a
hospital by calling 911
and seek care at a
hospital by calling 911
NO — Success
🧴 Disinfect the wound using an antiseptic
Rinse with soap and water first, then apply the antiseptic
Rinse with soap and water first, then apply the antiseptic
💊 Apply an ointment to relieve pain
Antibiotic or analgesic ointment depending on availability
Antibiotic or analgesic ointment depending on availability
🧊 Apply ice to the injury
Always with a protective towel — never in direct contact
Always with a protective towel — never in direct contact
📊 Reassess frequently vital signs (ABC)
Monitor for signs of infection in the following days
Monitor for signs of infection in the following days
📞 Seek care at a hospital
by calling 911
If in doubt, if infection occurs, if removal is incomplete, or if tetanus risk
by calling 911
If in doubt, if infection occurs, if removal is incomplete, or if tetanus risk