Does emergency medicine perform wound suturing?

The clinician first examines the wound, cleans it, checks sensation and movement, and looks for damage to tendons, nerves, blood vessels, bone, or a joint. They may use local anaesthetic to numb the area before bringing the wound edges together with stitches. Some wounds are better managed with adhesive strips, medical glue, dressings, or delayed closure. The choice depends on the wound’s location, depth, contamination, shape, and how long ago the injury occurred.

Apply gentle pressure with clean material to control bleeding and keep the wound covered while travelling for assessment. Do not push exposed tissue back inside, pull out a deeply embedded object, or pour harsh chemicals into the wound. Tell the clinician when and how the injury happened, whether anything may remain inside it, and when you last had tetanus protection. Follow the wound-care instructions, keep the area clean and observe the stitches as directed.

Seek emergency care for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, a deep or gaping wound, loss of feeling or movement, severe pain, a bite, a wound from a dirty or rusty object, or an injury involving the eye, face, hand, or genitals. Go promptly if the wound becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, painful, or starts draining pus, or if you develop fever.

Ask which closure method suits the wound, how to keep it protected, when the stitches need review or removal, and what changes should prompt a return visit.