1. Stay Calm: Be as still as possible to prevent the quill from moving further into your skin.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Visiting an urgent care center, emergency room or your healthcare provider is the safest and most effective way to remove the quill and receive appropriate medical care.
Here's what healthcare professionals might do:
* Glove and Mask: The person offering care should put on gloves and a face mask to protect against the quills and any potential saliva or blood.
* Inspect: The healthcare provider will closely inspect the quill's location and any associated injury.
* Removal: The quill may be removed using a pair of tweezers or a specialised instrument called quill forceps. It is important to remove the entire quill, including the base or tip that might be embedded below the skin.
* Antiseptics and Cleaning: The healthcare professional may clean and disinfect the wound and quill puncture site to reduce the risk of infection.
* Bandaging: To prevent further injury and cover the wound, a clean bandage may be applied.
* Tetanus Shot: Depending on your prior vaccination status and wound severity, a healthcare professional might recommend a tetanus shot to prevent infection and potential tetanus.
* Additional Treatment: If necessary, antibiotics, wound care, or further medical treatment may be suggested.