by Kaitlyn Edwards

Created on: September 15, 2010   Last Updated: November 30, 2011

There are several different types of foreign objects, depending where in the body they are located, and this is what will decide whether or not they should be removed.

Obviously, a foreign object causing choking should be removed. This is done using the treatment for choking (a cycle of coughing, backslaps and chest or abdominal thrusts).

A foreign object in the eye may be flushed out either with a steril eye wash solution or by encouraging the casualty to look in to a bright light. This will cause the eye to water, and the foreign object to be washed out. The corner of a handkerchef may be used to help lift the object out.

A forign object in the ear may be flushed out by encouraging the casualty to tilt his head with the affected ear uppermost. Clean, warm water should be gently poured in to the ear. The object should then float to the surface.

In any of these cases, if the treatment is unsuccessful, the person will require hospital treatment. In the case of choking, this is a life threatnening emergency, and the person should be taken to hospital by ambulance. You should dial 999, 911, 112 or the correct emergency number for that country. In all other examples, the person may be transported to hospital by non-emergency means.

If the foreign object is in the nose, this should be treated at the hospital. Non-emergency transport should be adequate in most cases.

For foreign objects embedded in a wound, the object should not be removed. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, removing the object may cause further damage. Secondly, the object may be blocking a blood vessel thereby preventing serious blood loss. The correct treatment is to apply pressure around the foreign object. The casualty, if conscious, can do this. If you have dressings available, clean, rolled dressings may be placed either side of the foreign object and bandaged in place, with no pressure down on the object; this may push it further in.

The casualty will need medical assistance. The hospital will be able to remove the object in a safe, controlled manner.

If you are in doubt about any first aid treatment of a casualty, the best thing you can do is summon professional help. Remember, after maintaining your own safety, your priority is to preserve the casualty's life, prevent further injury and promote recovery.

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