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InstaCare Online

Puncture Wound

	Call 911 NOW (you may need an ambulance) IF: Puncture on the head, neck, chest, back, or abdomen that may go deep
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF: You think you have a serious injury Severe pain Puncture on the head, neck, chest, abdomen that isn't deep Puncture overlying a joint Tip of the object is broken off and missing Feels like something is still in the wound Can't stand (bear weight or walk) on punctured foot Needle stick from used or discarded injection needle Sharp object was very dirty (e.g., a barnyard) Setting was dirty and puncture occurred on bare foot No previous tetanus shots Dirt (debris) or pencil lead pigment that can be seen in the wound is not gone after 15 minutes of scrubbing Wound looks infected (redness, red streaks, swollen, tenderness) Fever occurs Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby Instacare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search, to find the Instacare clinic nearest you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (between 9 am and 4 pm) IF: You think you need to be seen Diabetic and puncture wound of foot Last tetanus booster was over 5 years ago
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns Pain has not improved after 3 days
	Self Care at Home IF: Mild puncture wound and you don't think you need to be seen