North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

If a person is impaled by a foreign object, what should you do?

1. Remove the object immediately

2. Apply a bandage around it

3. Leave it in place

4. Cover it with gauze only

The correct answer is: Leave it in place

When a person is impaled by a foreign object, the correct action is to leave the object in place. Removing the object can cause further injury, increase bleeding, and complicate medical response. The impaled object may be acting as a barrier that prevents excessive blood loss or protects the wound from contamination. Instead, while waiting for medical personnel to arrive, it's important to stabilize the object and the area around it to prevent movement, which could worsen the injury. Covering the wound with a sterile dressing may be appropriate, but the primary focus should remain on not disturbing the impaled object and getting the injured person the appropriate medical assistance. This response aligns with trauma management protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victim.