Stabs

Stabs are penetrating injuries caused by a pointed instrument that enters the body. The term encompasses wounds inflicted by stabbing actions, usually with knives or other sharp implements, though any pointed object can cause a stab wound. The injury can be superficial or penetrate to deeper layers, depending on weapon, force, and location. Deep stabs can damage organs, blood vessels, or cavities, leading to life-threatening bleeding or organ failure.

Common anatomical targets include the chest, abdomen, neck, and limbs. The risk profile varies: chest injuries may involve the lungs or heart; abdominal wounds may involve intestines or vascular structures; neck injuries can threaten major vessels and the airway. The clinical presentation can range from minimal pain to shock, and some injuries may have concealed internal bleeding.

Medical response: Seek immediate medical care. If safe to do so, call emergency services. Do not remove any impaled object; if bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean dressing. Keep the patient still and warm. In hospital, assessment may include physical examination, imaging, and surgical exploration. Treatments may involve wound cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, and repair of damaged tissues; prognosis depends on injury location and speed of care.

Societal and linguistic aspects: Stabs are part of interpersonal violence in many regions, and forensic investigations may focus on wound trajectory, weapon type, and motive. The verb 'stab' and the noun 'stab' also appear in idiomatic phrases such as "make a stab at" meaning to attempt something, and "a stab wound" as a clinical term.