Treating a Gunshot Wound
First aid includes learning how to treat those wounds you would never imagine you would have to face, like gunshot wounds. By learning what to do in case of a gunshot wound, you can be better prepared. Basic first aid for a gunshot wound is important, as the earlier that treatment is begun, the more likely that the wound will not be fatal. What is the first thing that you need to do when treating a gunshot wound?
Hopefully you never need to tend to a gunshot wound (and some spell gunshot as gun shot), but if you do here are some pointers to make it easier for you. Gunshot wounds aren't necessarily fatal, and the faster attention can be given to the victim of a shooting the better that person's chances of survival are.
The very first thing you need to do is call 911. You want medical help to be on its way before you start trying to help the victim that was shot. By calling them first, or having someone with you call, you can make sure you have trained help coming to take care of the victim to give them the best chance at survival. Not all gunshot wounds are fatal.
Protective gloves (nitrile or other non-latex gloves are ideal) are important, if you have them available. This helps protect you against blood-borne diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, and viral haemorrhagic fevers. You may not have them readily available, so you have to deciside if you will start treatment or wait for the ambulance crew.
Avoid moving the patient unless you need to move them out of further danger. If danger presents itself you have to care for yourself first, but hopefully you can remove the patient too. Apply direct pressure to the gunshot wound with towels or hands to help the blood clot. This stops blood loss which increases the victim's chance of live.
If the bullet went into the chest you now have what medical professionals call a "sucking chest wound". You can hear the problem when the victim breathes because of the sucking or hissing sound that comes from the wound site. Lungs work best when they are in a closed system. When a hole penetrates the chest cavity air takes the easier path in and out which deprives the lungs, and therefore blood and body, of much needed oxygen. To treat this kind of gunshot wound remove clothing, if it's not stuck to the wound, and cover the wound with an occlusive dressing. Don't attempt to clean the wound; leave that to the professionals. An occlusive dressing is made an air-tight material (you can use cellophane, aluminum foil, a baggy, heck -- even duck tape can be use) and seals the wound so air takes the right path into the patient's lungs. Make sure this dressing extends about two inches beyond the edge of the wound so it doesn't get sucked into the body. Secure three edges of the dressing
with adhesive tape, leaving the fourth untaped (ideally you do the taping on the patient's inhalation to keep the dressing from being sucked in. If you don't have tape or it won't stick to the skin, use a bandage or strip of fabric to hold the dressing in place.
If the gunshot wound victim is not breathing, begin CPR. The 911 operator can assist you with knowing how to do this. Once you start CPR don't stop until someone arrives who will take over for you. If you are in a public building, even ask if they have an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) in case their heart stops too.
A gunshot wound is a serious wound that demands emergency attention. Even if the victim is simply "grazed" by a bullet, it is important that the wound is looked at to determine if an antibiotic is needed or further medical attention is needed. If the bullet is still inside the body, the bullet needs to be removed, if possible, and care needs to be taken to ensure there is no internal damage. Infection is a serious concern when dealing with gunshot wounds.
By learning how to treat a gunshot wound you can be prepared in case of an emergency. Whether it happens to someone you care about or a stranger, you will know the basics of how to help someone who has been shot. This can save a life.
