Gunshot Wounds (GSW’s)

On Scene

Graze

  • Clean with saline
  • Check if wound needs stitches
  • Add neosporin
  • Apply Bandages

T&T

  • Apply tourniquet (Arms/Legs ONLY) when/if needed
  • Clean wound with Saline
  • Seal front and back of wound(s)
  • Apply Pressure Bandage

Lodged

  • Apply tourniquet (Arms/Legs ONLY) when/if needed
  • Clean wound with Saline
  • Apply Pressure Bandages
    • Don’t pack for worries of pushing the bullet deeper

In the Hospital

  • Take patient into the OR
  • Administer O2
  • Administer O- if bleeding was active
  • Check patient’s vitals
  • Start a local or general anasthetic depending on severity
  • Unpack the wound
  • Run a sonogram or Xray to locate if there are any lodged bullets or fragments
  • Remove any bullets or fragments
  • Flush the wound
  • Check for any active bleeding
  • Check for and repair any internal damage
  • Recheck patient’s vitals
  • Clean and suture the entry and exit wound
  • Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound
  • Bandage the wound
  • Administer an antibacterial through IV to prevent infection
  • Move the patient to a recovery area