Practical Field First Aid
It’s Just a Pinhole. Right?
“Does the appearance of the wound indicate the severity of the injury?”
SMALL WOUND • BIG EMERGENCY
← All Field Notes
Today’s conversation
A pinhole-sized wound from pressurized fluid may look minor, but material can be driven deep into tissue, causing severe damage, infection, and possible loss of function.
Talking points
- 01Stop work: Shut down and control the energy source immediately.
- 02Do not squeeze, cut, or probe: This can push material deeper and make the injury worse.
- 03Get emergency medical care: Seek prompt evaluation, even if the wound looks minor.
- 04Identify the material: Tell medical personnel what was injected. Provide SDS or product information when available.
- 05Keep it clean and covered: After initial response, keep the wound clean and covered until medical care is received.
TAKEAWAYDon’t wait for it to look serious.
Ask your crew
Does the appearance of the wound indicate the severity of the injury?
FREE TO USE
Free for use in safety meetings and toolbox talks. Please retain Higgs Energy Consulting branding when sharing or distributing.