How to Remove a Foreign Object from a Body
Objects can find their way into the body either through a wound in the skin or via an orifice such as the eyes or nose. These can range from grit in the eye to a small toy that young children may push into their noses and ears. These injuries can be distressing but do not usually cause serious injury for the casualty.
Splinter
What to do
Follow the steps below:
Step 1
Gently clean the area around the splinter with soap and water.
Step 2
Hold the tweezers close to the end for a better grip. Grasp the splinter as close to the skin as possible.
Step 3
Draw the splinter out in a straight line in the same angle that it entered the skin making sure it does not break.
Step 4
Carefully squeeze the wound to encourage a little bleeding and flush out any remaining dirt. Clean the wound and cover it with a plaster.
In the eye
What to look for
- Blurred vision
- Pain or discomfort
- Redness and watering of the eye
- Eyelids may be screwed up in spasm
What to do
Follow the steps below:
Step 1
Advise the casualty not to rub their eye. Ask them to sit down facing a light.
Step 2
Gently separate their eyelids using your thumb and finger and examine the eye.
Step 3
If you can see an object on the white of the eye, place a towel around the casualty’s shoulders and wash it out by pouring clean water from the inner corner so it drains on to the towel.
Step 4
If this is unsuccessful, try removing the object with a moist swab or the damp corner of a clean handkerchief. If you still cannot remove the object, seek medical help.
In the ear
Follow the steps below:
Do not attempt to remove an object lodged in the ear
Reassure the casualty and arrange to take them to hospital as soon as possible.
In the nose
What to look for
- Difficult or noisy breathing through the nose.
- Swelling of the nose.
- Smelly or bloodstained discharge, indicating that an object may have been lodged for some time.
What to do
Follow the steps below:
Step 1
Try to keep the casualty quiet and calm.
Step 2
Tell the casualty to breathe through their mouth at a normal rate. Do not allow the casualty to poke at the object.
Step 3
Arrange to take the casualty to hospital.
