Use this SOP immediately after a knife injury occurs. Injury response overrides all other tasks. The priorities are: secure the blade, stop bleeding, stabilize the victim, and escalate if needed. Do not resume work until the incident is resolved.

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1. Scene Control
   1. Stop cutting immediately.
   2. Secure or sheath the knife.
   3. Move the blade away from all people.
   4. Prevent additional injury.
2. Injury Assessment
   1. Identify bleeding severity.
   2. Identify wound location.
   3. Check responsiveness.
   4. Determine if emergency help is required.
   5. Identify penetrating or embedded injury.
3. Penetrating or Embedded Injuries
   1. Do not remove an embedded blade or object.
   2. Stabilize the object in place.
   3. Apply pressure around the wound, not on the object.
   4. Call emergency services immediately.
   5. Treat as life-threatening until professionals arrive.
   Why: Removing an embedded object can cause severe internal bleeding and death.
4. Bleeding Control - Minor Cuts
   1. Apply direct pressure.
   2. Clean the wound if possible.
   3. Apply antibiotic ointment if available.
   4. Dress and wrap securely.
   5. Monitor for continued bleeding.
5. Bleeding Control - Severe Cuts
   1. Apply firm direct pressure immediately.
   2. Use a pressure bandage if available.
   3. Apply a tourniquet if bleeding cannot be controlled.
   4. Apply antibiotic treatment only after bleeding is controlled and if appropriate.
   5. Elevate the injured area if appropriate.
6. Shock Prevention (If Applicable)
   1. Lay the victim down if appropriate.
   2. Keep the victim warm.
   3. Monitor breathing and awareness.
   4. Reassure and stabilize.
7. Emergency Escalation (If Required)
   1. Call emergency services.
   2. Provide exact location.
   3. Follow dispatcher instructions.
   4. Continue care until help arrives.
8. Post-Incident Protocol
   1. Clean and store the knife.
   2. Clean contaminated equipment.
   3. Document the incident if required.
   4. Resume work only if the injury is minor and bleeding is controlled.

• Treat all bleeding immediately.
• Do not resume work after serious injury.
• If unsure about severity, escalate to emergency care.

Immediate correction rule: Stop work, treat injury, secure the scene.

• [ ] Knife secured.
• [ ] Bleeding controlled.
• [ ] Victim stabilized.
• [ ] Emergency decision made.
• [ ] Scene safe.

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