Alexei Volkov
Gunshot wounds are extremely traumatic injuries that can cause serious damage to the body. The physical damage caused by a gunshot depends on several factors, including the location of the injury, the speed and type of bullet, and how soon the victim receives medical care. While it is difficult to assess the extent of the damage caused by a gunshot wound, there are some first-aid measures that can be taken before professional assistance arrives, including applying pressure to the wound and using plastic to cover the wound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Seek medical attention as soon as possible. |
| Stop the bleeding by applying strong pressure on the wound. | |
| If it's a chest wound, seal the wound with plastic to prevent a collapsed lung. | |
| If the wound is in the arms or legs, elevate them to reduce blood flow to the area. | |
| Dressings help the blood clot and seal the wound. | |
| Keep the wound and the area around it clean and dry. | |
| Take any antibiotics or pain relievers as directed. | |
| Be prepared to treat the victim for shock. | |
| If the wound was severe, surgery may be required. |
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What You'll Learn
- Use plastic to seal chest wounds to prevent air from entering
- Use a plastic bag as a barrier between your hands and the wound
- Pack a larger wound with a tampon, then apply plastic and pressure
- Gunshot wounds to the head always need hospital treatment
- Torso wounds require pressure and emergency responders
Use plastic to seal chest wounds to prevent air from entering
Gunshot wounds are one of the most traumatic injuries a person can suffer. The extent of the damage caused by a gunshot wound is often difficult to assess, and it typically far exceeds what can be reasonably treated with first aid. Therefore, it is vital to get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible.
If you or someone around you is shot, it is important to follow these three steps:
- Get to a safe place. If the injured person can walk or run, help them get to safety. If it's an accidental shooting, make sure the gun is unloaded and secured.
- Once you're safe, call emergency services. Follow the dispatcher's instructions.
- Stop the bleeding. Apply strong pressure on the wound. If there is an object still protruding from the wound, do not remove it, as this can make the injury worse.
If the gunshot wound is to the chest, it may be what is known as a "sucking chest wound" (SCW). This is when an injury causes a hole to open in the chest, often caused by stabbing, gunshots, or other penetrating injuries. SCWs can be fatal if not treated quickly. Air can enter the chest through the wound, leading to a collapsed lung.
To prevent this, seal the wound with plastic to keep air from being sucked in. You can use a pre-made chest seal, or improvise with the supplies you have available. If using a pre-made chest seal, follow the instructions provided. If improvising, use the packaging for a sterile dressing, like a roll of gauze, which typically has a paper side and a plastic side. Cover the chest wound with the plastic (sterile side touching the wound) and tape it down on all sides. Make sure the seal has at least one open side to let out air without letting air in. Monitor the patient for signs of breathing difficulties, and reapply a new seal if necessary.
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Use a plastic bag as a barrier between your hands and the wound
Gunshot wounds are extremely traumatic injuries that can cause serious damage. The extent of the damage is difficult to assess, and often far exceeds what can be treated with first aid. Therefore, it is vital to get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. However, there are some first aid measures that can be taken to stabilise the victim before professional assistance arrives.
If you are treating a gunshot wound, it is important to first ensure that you are in a safe position. If the victim was shot unintentionally, secure the firearm. If the victim was shot during a crime, verify that the shooter is no longer on the scene and that you and the victim are safe. If there is an active shooter, run and hide.
If the victim has sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, seal the wound with plastic to prevent air from being sucked in, which can cause a collapsed lung. If the victim has been shot in the neck or back, do not move them, as this could damage the spinal cord and cause permanent paralysis. If the victim has been shot in the stomach or intestines, emergency surgery is usually required, as gastrointestinal fluid or faeces can leak into the abdominal cavity. If the victim has been shot in the head, get them to a hospital immediately, even if the bullet did not enter the skull.
If the victim is conscious, have them sit or lie in the position that is most comfortable for them. If they are unconscious, put them in the recovery position. Be prepared to treat the victim for shock, which can be caused by trauma or blood loss. Cover the person to prevent them from getting cold, which can lower their body temperature. Stopping the bleeding is a crucial part of managing a gunshot wound. Apply strong pressure to the wound to prevent blood loss.
To treat a gunshot wound, it is important to keep the wound and the area around it clean and dry. Wash your hands before touching any of your supplies or the wound. If your provider gives you the go-ahead, gently rinse the wound with water while you bathe, but do not rub or scrub it. Pat the area around the wound dry with a clean towel and let the wound air-dry. You can use a plastic bag as a barrier between your hands and the wound to keep it sterile. Use whatever dressing is available—gauze, towels, a shirt, etc.—to help the blood clot and seal the wound.
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Pack a larger wound with a tampon, then apply plastic and pressure
Disclaimer: This response is provided for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional medical advice.
Using a tampon to treat a gunshot wound is a widely circulated myth. It is not recommended by medical professionals and can be dangerous. The entrance wound of a gunshot is determined by the size of the bullet, but the severity of the trauma caused internally may be hidden, especially if there is no exit wound. Depending on the calibre of the bullet, the entrance wound may be smaller than a tampon, in which case, attempting to insert a tampon could cause further damage.
If you or someone around you is shot, it is important to get to a safe place and call emergency services. While waiting for professional help to arrive, there are some first aid measures you can take to manage the wound and prevent excessive bleeding:
- Apply strong and steady pressure directly on the wound.
- If the wound is on the chest, seal it with plastic to prevent air from being sucked in, which can cause a collapsed lung.
- For wounds on the neck or back, do not move the person as this could damage the spinal cord and cause permanent paralysis. Instead, hold pressure to prevent bleeding.
- If the wound is on a limb, do not move the limb and apply pressure to prevent blood loss.
- If the wound is on the stomach or intestines, emergency surgery may be necessary as a puncture in these areas can lead to an infection due to leaking gastrointestinal fluid or faeces.
In general, it is important to remember that gunshot wounds can lead to shock, caused by trauma or blood loss. Keep the victim's body temperature consistent by covering them so they do not get cold.
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Gunshot wounds to the head always need hospital treatment
Gunshot wounds can cause serious injury and damage, and the location of the injury plays a significant role in the amount of damage caused. Wounds to the head or torso are likely to be more harmful and can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and even death.
Gunshot wounds to the head are fatal about 90% of the time, with many victims dying before they even reach the hospital. For those who survive the initial trauma, about 50% die in the emergency room. Of the remaining survivors, 50% will suffer from seizures and require anti-epilepsy medication. This highlights the critical nature of these injuries and the need for immediate hospital treatment.
The decision to proceed with surgical treatment for a gunshot wound to the head is based on several factors, including the level of consciousness, brainstem neurological function, and CT scan findings. If a patient is in a coma or has minimal brainstem function, their chances of survival are slim. However, if they are conscious, they should be placed in a position that is most comfortable for them.
Upon arrival at the hospital, patients with gunshot wounds to the head are aggressively resuscitated, and their blood pressure and oxygenation are stabilized. If the patient is stable, a CT scan is performed to assess the extent of the damage and determine the next steps in their treatment plan.
Given the severity and complexity of gunshot wounds to the head, it is clear that hospital treatment is always necessary. The high mortality rate and potential for long-term rehabilitation further emphasize the critical nature of seeking immediate medical attention for such injuries.
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Torso wounds require pressure and emergency responders
Gunshot wounds are one of the most traumatic injuries a person can suffer. The amount of damage caused depends on the location of the injury, the speed and type of bullet, and how soon the victim receives medical care. Torso wounds are likely to cause more damage and there is little that can be done outside of a hospital setting.
If you are treating someone with a torso wound, the first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of the victim. If the victim was shot unintentionally, make sure the firearm is pointed away from others, cleared of ammunition, and secured. If the victim was shot during a crime, verify that the shooter is no longer on the scene and that you and the victim are safe. Wear personal protective equipment, such as latex gloves, if available. If there is an active shooter, run and hide.
Once you are safe, call emergency services. Follow the dispatcher's instructions and get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, apply steady, direct pressure to the wound. Press hard enough that the victim's skin bows beneath your hands and do not release the pressure until emergency responders arrive. If the victim has been shot in the chest, seal the wound with plastic to keep air from being sucked in, which can cause a collapsed lung. If the victim's shortness of breath gets worse after sealing the wound, remove the seal.
If the victim has been shot in the stomach or intestines, they are at high risk of infection due to gastrointestinal fluid or feces leaking into the abdominal cavity. You might notice rapid swelling of the abdomen even with a small puncture wound. Emergency surgery is generally necessary in this case. Be prepared to treat the victim for shock, as gunshot wounds can lead to this condition due to trauma or blood loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Seal the wound with plastic to keep air from being sucked in, which can cause a collapsed lung. If the person's shortness of breath gets worse after sealing the wound, remove the seal.
Get to a safe place. If the injured person can walk or run, help them to safety. If it was an accidental shooting, make sure the gun is cleared of ammunition and secured. Once you're safe, call 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
Get emergency medical care at a hospital. Even if the bullet didn't enter the skull, there could still be internal bleeding or a fractured skull.
