Foreign Object Injuries: What to Do Before Reaching the Hospital

Accidents can happen in seconds — a child putting a bead in their nose, a fish bone stuck in the throat, a splinter deep in the skin, or dust entering the eye. These are called foreign object injuries, and while some may seem small, improper handling can make the situation worse.

Knowing the right first-aid steps can prevent infection, pain, and complications before you reach the hospital.

---

👃 Object Stuck in the Nose

Common in children — beads, food particles, small toys.

What You Should Do:

✔ Keep the person calm and breathing through the mouth
✔ Ask them to gently blow their nose only if the object is small and not tightly stuck
✔ Seek medical help if it doesn’t come out easily

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do not insert cotton buds, tweezers, or fingers inside
❌ Do not forcefully blow — it may push the object deeper

---

👂 Object in the Ear

This may include insects, beads, or small objects.

What You Should Do:

✔ Tilt the head to the affected side to see if gravity helps
✔ If an insect is inside, a few drops of clean oil (like baby oil) may help immobilize it
✔ Visit a doctor as soon as possible

What NOT to Do:

❌ Never use pins, matchsticks, or ear buds
❌ Do not try to wash it out with water unless advised by a doctor

---

👁️ Object in the Eye

Dust, sand, metal particles, or eyelashes can cause irritation.

What You Should Do:

✔ Blink several times to allow natural tears to flush it out
✔ Rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline
✔ Keep the eye closed and seek medical care if pain continues

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do not rub the eye
❌ Do not try to remove sharp objects yourself
❌ Avoid using eye drops unless prescribed

⚠ Emergency: If something is embedded in the eye, cover both eyes lightly and go to the hospital immediately.

---

🦴 Object Embedded in the Skin

Examples include splinters, glass pieces, nails, or metal fragments.

What You Should Do:

✔ Wash your hands before touching the area
✔ If the object is small and visible, remove gently with clean tweezers
✔ Clean the wound with water and apply a clean bandage
✔ Seek medical help for deep wounds

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do not try to remove large or deeply embedded objects
❌ Do not squeeze the wound
❌ Do not apply powders, toothpaste, or home remedies

⚠ Emergency: If a large object is stuck, do not remove it — stabilize it with cloth and rush to the hospital.

---

🍽️ Object Swallowed (Choking Hazard)

Common with fish bones, coins, batteries, or small toys.

If the Person is Coughing:

✔ Encourage coughing — this may expel the object

If the Person is Choking (Can’t Speak/Breathe):

⚠ This is a medical emergency
✔ Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) if trained
✔ Call emergency services immediately

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do not give food or water
❌ Do not try to remove the object blindly with fingers

⚠ URGENT: Swallowed batteries, sharp objects, or magnets require immediate hospital care.

---

🚑 When to Rush to the Hospital Immediately

Seek urgent medical care if there is:

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe pain

• Bleeding that won’t stop

• Object stuck in eye or throat

• Swallowed sharp or harmful items

• Signs of infection (swelling, redness, pus, fever)

---

🏥 Why Medical Removal Is Important

Doctors use special tools and sterile techniques to safely remove foreign objects without causing further injury. Delays or incorrect attempts at home can lead to:

• Infection

• Internal damage

• Hearing or vision problems

• Breathing complications

---

Final Advice

Stay calm, avoid panic, and don’t try risky home methods. Quick and proper medical attention can prevent serious complications.

If you or your child experiences a foreign object injury, visit Shantidevi Healthcare immediately for safe and expert treatment.