GotoAID - Gunshot Wound To The Chest

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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 Chest

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

Bleeding	Shock
Pain	Difficulty Breathing

Steps

Make sure it is safe for you to help the person. If it is not safe, do not attempt to help. Activate EMS without delay.

DO NOT move the person unless you have to keep them safe or to access care.

Control bleeding by placing a pad over the wound and applying direct pressure. It may be difficult to control chest bleeding because the ribs make it difficult to compress the structures that are bleeding.

Penetrating wounds to the chest allow outside air to be sucked into the chest with every breath. This must be stopped. Apply an airtight bandage on three sides of the wound and make sure not to close the bandage on the fourth side.

While the bandage prevents air from being sucked into the wound, the unsealed side of the bandage allows air that may build up on the inside to escape.