Lacerations & Wounds

Prompt Care for Mild, Moderate, or Traumatic Injuries

While wounds like a scraped knee or a papercut likely aren’t medical emergencies, more serious wounds can be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment. Even seemingly minor injuries may become more severe if they cause an infection, which can lead to life-threatening septic shock. If you aren’t sure whether your wound requires emergency treatment, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You should visit the ER immediately for severe injuries to get the medical attention you need to properly disinfect, clean, and perhaps suture the laceration or wound you have.

When you need specialized care for lacerations, wounds, or bleeding, our team of doctors and nurses provide the treatment and care you need to promote healing so you can recover as quickly as possible. We will promptly assess the nature of your wound through a thorough evaluation while also checking your current health status.

Do I need treatment for my wound?

Any wound may become serious, but you should see a doctor if any of the following has happened:

• You have suffered a severe accident.
• Bleeding will not stop with direct pressure.
• The wound is very large or deeper than half an inch.
• After bandaging the wound, blood soaks through it.
• An object is stuck in the wound.
• An animal has bitten you.
• The wound was caused by a rusty or dirty object (this may require a tetanus shot, particularly if you haven’t had one in 5+ years).
• You have difficulty moving a wounded limb.
• Your wound has a foul odor or discharge.
• The wound does not heal adequately after one week.
• You feel disoriented or have other unusual symptoms.
• The skin around the wound is warm or swollen.

How are open wounds treated?

Wound treatment varies depending on the nature and cause of your wound. Techniques like skin “superglue” or sutures may help close open wounds, but puncture wounds require treatment like tetanus shots, especially if the injury is prone to infection or a rusty object caused the wound. For patients prone to infection, or if their wound is already infected, antibiotics may be required. Once you leave our emergency center, you may be given additional bandages, dressings, or antibacterial gels or creams to keep your wound protected to aid healing.

Contact us at ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care for help with lacerations, wounds, or bleeding. Our ER is open 24/7 and our urgent care is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.