GotoAID - Gunshot Wound To The Leg

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Gunshot Wound To The Leg

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, and make sure the person can move their hands and feet, make sure you check for any other wounds.

Control bleeding by using a pad over the wound and apply pressure directly to the wound and keep the leg elevated above the heart to help control bleeding.

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 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 use a tourniquet unless there is excessive bleeding that can’t be stopped by pressure as this should only be used as a last resort

If tourniquet must be used then it must be applied on the leg above the bleeding

DO NOT use wire or string as a tourniquet as that will create a new cut

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

Use pressure points in the arm (between the elbow and armpit), groin (along the bikini line), or behind the knee to control bleeding in the arm

When applying bandages to stop bleeding, add new bandages over the old and do not remove bandages when they become soaked

READ THIS

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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