GotoAID - Gunshot Wound To The Head

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Gunshot Wound To The Head

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	Difficulty Breathing
Pain	Loss of Consciousness
Shock

Steps

Make sure you are safe before aiding the person

Call 911 or Emergency medical assistance

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

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.

Keep head elevated and control bleeding by using a pad over the wound and apply pressure directly to the wound.

If the wound bleeds through the first pad, apply another over the first and continue applying pressure. DO NOT remove the first pad.

Monitor for signs of shock.

Wait for help to arrive or get the person to a trauma center as soon as possible 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 elevate legs wound is to the torso as this will increase bleeding and make it more difficult for the victim to breathe

Gunshots to the head are usually fatal

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 a 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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