FOREIGN BODIES

A foreign body is an element or particle that hits or enters the body accidentally.

1. Foreign bodies in the eye
   
   
   1. When the foreign body is a solid particle, only try to remove it if it is easily accessible.
      
      
      1. Do not allow him to rub his eyes.
      
      
      
      2. Give two anaesthetic eye drops (DRAWER 7, first aid kits A and B) and wait for two minutes (refer to Chapter 6.4). The dose may be repeated twice more, if required.
      
      
      
      3. Examine the patient in a place with good light, inverting the upper eyelid (refer to Chapter 3.2). Use the magnifying glass (DRAWER 11, first aid kits A and B).
      
      
      
      4. If it is a metallic particle, try to remove it with a magnet. In all cases flush the eye by squirting with saline solution (DRAWER 13, first aid kits A and B) from the inner to the outer edge (see picture 7-110).
      
      
      
      5. If it has not been effective, use a cotton swab (used for ear hygiene) (DRAWER 12, first aid kits A and B), dampened in saline solution or boiled water, to remove the particle (see picture 7-111). If not available, use a silk double bow, made with suture thread and tweezers (DRAWER 12, first aid kit A) (see picture 7-112).
         
         
         
         
         Picture 7-110: Eye flushing with saline solution.
         
         
         
         
         
         Picture 7-111: Removal of foreign body in the eye with cotton swab.
         
         
         
         
         
         Picture 7-112: Removal of foreign bodyin the eye with silk double bow.
      
      
      
      6. Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO to complete the treatment.
      
      
      
      7. If unable to remove the foreign body:
         
         
         • Occlude the eye (see picture 7-113). Cover the other one as well.
         
         
         
         • Prepare for evacuation, Asking for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO .
           
           
           
           
           Picture 7-113: Eye occlusion.
         
         
   2. In case a chemical agent enters the eye, wash immediately with running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes (refer to Chapter 2.3, BURNS). Occlude the eye, do not put anything on it until after asking for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO urgently.
   
   
2. Foreign bodies in the ear
   
   
   • If it is easily accessible, try to remove it with tweezers (DRAWER 12, first aid kits A and B).
   
   
   
   • If it cannot be seen, but can be felt (in the case of a live insect), flood the auditory duct with lukewarm cooking oil, tilting the head of the patient to the healthy side. After that, ask them to empty the ear by tilting the head to the opposite side.
   
   
   
   • Do not stick toothpicks, needles or other sharp objects inside, as they may perforate the tympanic membrane.
   
   
   
   • If unsuccessful, ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO .
   
   
3. Foreign bodies in the respiratory tract
   
   Refer to ASPHYXIA item on Chapter 1.3.



4. Foreign bodies in wounds (splinters)
   
   Foreign bodies such as fish bones, thorns, glass, splinters or metal pieces that enter the skin should be removed only if they are easily accessible.
   
   In case of splinters, when they are not visible because they are under the skin, palpate the area and, if an irregularity close to the surface is noted, try to remove it with tweezers, making a small cut with a sterile needle or disposable scalpels (DRAWER 12, first aid kit A). The area may be anaesthetized with cold or ethyl chloride spray (DRAWER 9, first aid kit A). If unsure about being able to remove it, it is better not to attempt to do so. The body will reabsorb it or reject it creating pus and, later, will be eliminated when the wound drains.



5. Foreign bodies in the nose
   
   
   • If it is recently embedded, apply pressure to the other nostril and blow hard.
   
   
   
   • If it is visible, try to remove it with tweezers, but never introduce them blindly.