While what everyone else has said is good information. The only way to be sure to prevent injury 100% OF THE TIME is the not feed live food. According to some I am a "Live feeding zealot" and I don't really care. Remember that the methods mentioned will work but anything can happen. That is all I'm going to say. If your snake is cut you can put neosporin without pain releiver on it. That should help in the healing process.