This episode of the podcast is a live recording from the PREMIER Conference of John O Neil discussing penetrating injuries with learning points that are useful for clinicians who look after both adult and paediatric patients. 

There are three main mechanisms – violence, impalement and self harm, although the first is by far the most common. 

Penetrating injuries are rare but have significant morbidity and mortality. The key is early and accurate diagnosis, and many can be managed conservatively. The distribution of penetrating injuries across the UK differs widely, with most in the London area, although as seen in the news recently can happen anywhere.

Remember how traumatic it is to be a trauma patient. We put you on a bed, cut off your clothes, stick needles in you and take your family away. Some will also just not engage with you (teenage boys particularly) making assessment difficult. Be kind. Don’t get frustrated.

Physiologically there may be a strong vagal response that can hide some of the signs we’d expect. Also, bear in mind the events prior to the injury – the child may have been running a considerable distance (before and after the incident) raising their lactate (but don’t assume this is the cause). Children tend to ‘fall off a cliff’ – they appear well, but can suddenly decompensate – keep the momentum to definitive management going and do not be falsely reassured.

John mentioned a great friend of St Emlyn’s Vic Brazil and we would heartily endorse you have a look at her work.

You can find more information about the Reducing Knife Crime initiative here