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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only
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Gunshot Wound To The Back
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A gunshot wound is a very serious, life threatening injury. Always maintain personal safety before assisting others. It is essential to give first aid and get emergency medical help immediately. Gunshot wounds are reportable injuries in ALL states.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Make sure you are safe before aiding the person
2   Call 911 or Emergency medical assistance
3   DO NOT move the person unless you have to keep them safe or to access care
4   Check the Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Disability by making sure the airway is clear, person is breathing normally; otherwise provide CPR, and make sure they have a good pulse, make sure the person can move their hands and feet, and make sure you check for any other wounds.
5   Controlling bleeding by using a pad over the wound and apply direct pressure. Be advised that it may be difficult to control bleeding because the ribs make it difficult to compress the structures that are bleeding.
6   If the wound bleeds through the first pad, apply another over the first and continue applying pressure. DO NOT remove the first pad.
7   Gunshot wound to the back causes a sucking sound as air travels in and out with every breath, so seal the wound with your hand or an airtight material like plastic wrap.
8   Apply an airtight bandage on three sides of the wound and make sure not to close the bandage on the fourth side.
9   Leave the unsealed side of the bandage as the victim exhales to allow air to escape.
10   Monitor for signs of shock.
11   Wait for help to arrive and stay with the person and keep talking to the person to reassure them.
Warnings
If the person can’t move their feet and hands there may be a spinal injury
DO NOT obstruct breathing while controlling bleeding
DO NOT use a tourniquet unless there is excessive bleeding that can’t be stopped by pressure as this should be use only as a last resort.
Always look for an exit wound
Tips
Act quickly as s person who reaches a medical facility during the "Golden Hour" has a much better likelihood of surviving
If you do not have a compress for the wound you can use your hand or fingers to control bleeding, but make sure they are clean
When applying bandages to stop bleeding, add new bandages over the old and do not remove bandages when they become soaked

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Suggestions
CPR – Adult
CPR – Child
CPR – INFANT / BABY (Age <1 year)
Gunshot Wound To The Arm
Gunshot Wound To The Back
Gunshot Wound To The Chest
Gunshot Wound To The Face
Gunshot Wound To The Head
Gunshot Wound To The Leg
Gunshot Wound To The Neck
Shock
Toxic Shock Syndrome
 
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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only