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KidsCare Online

Puncture Wound

	Call 911 NOW (your child may need an ambulance) IF: Puncture on the head, neck, chest or abdomen that may go deep.
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF your child has any ONE of the following: You think your child has a serious injury. 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 still in the wound. Won't stand (bear weight or walk) on punctured foot. Needle stick from used or discarded injection needle. Sharp object or area where injured was very dirty (e.g., a barnyard). Setting was dirty and occurs on bare foot. No previous tetanus shots. Dirt (debris) or pencil lead pigment is not gone after 15 minutes of scrubbing. Severe pain. Wound looks infected (redness, red streaks, swollen, tenderness). Fever occurs. Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby KidsCare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search to find an urgent care clinic near you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (during regular daytime office hours) IF: You think your child needs to be seen. Last tetanus shot was over 5 years ago.
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns.
	Provide Care at Home to children for: Mild puncture wound and you don't think your child needs to be seen.