When broken glass is present, caution should be observed to avoid injury. Broken shards of glass can be as sharp as a knife and can cause minor cuts to deep punctures that can cause harm and even damage blood vessels causing massive bleeding. Broken glass should not be underestimated. It holds the same harmful potential as a knife.
Broken Glass Injury
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Injury from broken glass is likened to that of an injury from a knife.
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The injury can range from small cuts and scratches to deep and devastating lacerations.
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The injury can also result in minor skin cuts to massive blood loss from cut arteries.
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Other dangers involved with injuries from broken glass include:
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Broken shards or splinters left behind inside the body when the glass is removed causing further harm.
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Serves as a vector for infection.
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Injuries from broken glass can occur at home or as an occupational hazard at work.
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When handling glass at work, safety precautions should be observed as specified by the workplace.
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At the home, safety glasses are now recommended for use. These are laminated glasses that when broken become fractured but are still held in place by the laminations preventing injury.
Broken Glass Injury Treatment
Treatment can include home management or medical management depending on the extent of the injury.
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For minor cuts from broken glass:
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If the glass is not embedded deep in the skin, this can be removed at home using a clean pair of tweezers.
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When all the glass is removed, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water.
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Antibacterial ointment may be applied to avoid infection from bacteria present in the glass.
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Dress the wound with clean gauze.
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Dress and clean the wound daily, keeping it dry at all times.
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Seek medical advice whether tetanus toxoid shots are needed after injury from broken glass.
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For deep injuries resulting from broken glass:
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Seek medical treatment immediately.
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Do not attempt to remove the glass, wait for the doctor to decide to do so.
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The doctor will remove the glass shards as completely as possible with care using the right, sterilized equipments.
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Imaging studies such as x-rays may be needed to detect any broken shards that remain in the body.
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If no arteries are cut or involved, the cut may be closed with sutures, cleaned, and dressed with antiseptic ointment and covered with sterile gauze.
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If arteries are cut or involved, surgery may be necessary to help repair the arteries.
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Depending on the blood loss, blood transfusions and IV fluid replacements may be needed.
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Hospitalization may be warranted until the wound heals.
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Follow up check-ups will be scheduled to check on the healing of the wound and removal of sutures.
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