Surviving a bullet wound - Part III: Keeping the victim stable

The most important part of surviving a gunshot wound is getting the victim to proper medical attention as soon as possible. Chances of survival improve the faster you get the victim in front of a doctor. Only in a worst case scenario where medical help is not available should you attempt to treat a firearm victim.

[Secure | Immobilize | Breathing | Bleeding | Stabilize]

5. Stabilizing the Victim

Military Procedure for Treating Wounds from Firearms
1. Wound Debridement (process of removing non-living tissue from ulcers, burns, and other wounds) more >>
2. Wound Excision more >>
3. Antibiotic prophylaxis more >>
4. Delayed primary suture at 4-5 days more >>

Try to minimize the stress of the victim. Keep the victim in a comfortable position with stable temperature [i.e. shading the victim from the sun or keeping the victim warm] until emergency assistance arrives. Talk to victim and reassure them that help is on the way.

Do not try to remove the bullet -- you'll likely do more damage to the victim. A properly trained professional will have the proper knowledge and equipment to make removal safe and sanitary. A doctor will treat damaged organs, bones, blood vessels, clean wound track.

Next: Stabilization of Victim
[Secure | Immobilize | Breathing | Bleeding | Stabilize]

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