Do Not Remove an Impaled Object From a Wound

When someone has an object stuck in their body — a knife, a piece of glass, a metal rod — do not pull it out. That object may be the only thing plugging a damaged blood vessel and preventing massive bleeding. Instead, stabilize the object by packing bulky dressings or cloth around its base so it can't move. Keep the person as still as possible and call emergency services immediately. Removal of an impaled object is a surgical procedure that needs to happen in a hospital with blood and equipment on standby.