Cosmoline
Member
I've asked some paramedics and docs about this over the years. 4x4 pads are the most recommended item. Lots of them. When the bleeding gets going in earnest, you go through them very quickly. Most bought kits have a lot of crud you either don't need or aren't really qualified to use. One thing you can do is basic elevation and direct pressure.
Folks need to remember that "shock" in a a medical sense DOES NOT MEAN psychological "shock" at seeing some wound or getting bruised. In the case of gun shots, it means the drop in blood pressure from massive blood loss. And it's a sure-fire killer if the blood loss isn't stopped. You don't die because you're upset. Not unless you have a really bad pre-existing heart condition. Covering someone up with a blanket is not going to do much to stop dying from hypovolemic shock after a bullet rips through them.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000039.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypovolemia
Most of us are nowhere near qualified enough to open a breathing passage, so realistically beyond dislodging a stuck filbert in someone's throat it's going to require more training. Slowing down blood flow till the ambulance comes is something basic first aid can cover. Intubation after a GSW to the lungs or throat--not so much.
True, but if they're in that condition after a GSW they're likely dead as doornail already. And trying CPR on someone with a hole and bullet in him is just not a good idea without advanced training. The idea is to move him as little as possible and staunch any immediate blood loss. That's about it. These are really complex injuries unfortunately and require expert treatment ASAP.
Folks need to remember that "shock" in a a medical sense DOES NOT MEAN psychological "shock" at seeing some wound or getting bruised. In the case of gun shots, it means the drop in blood pressure from massive blood loss. And it's a sure-fire killer if the blood loss isn't stopped. You don't die because you're upset. Not unless you have a really bad pre-existing heart condition. Covering someone up with a blanket is not going to do much to stop dying from hypovolemic shock after a bullet rips through them.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000039.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypovolemia
Basic first aid hasn't changed in decades: A-B-C
Most of us are nowhere near qualified enough to open a breathing passage, so realistically beyond dislodging a stuck filbert in someone's throat it's going to require more training. Slowing down blood flow till the ambulance comes is something basic first aid can cover. Intubation after a GSW to the lungs or throat--not so much.
stopping the bleeding of a person who's not breathing or has no heartbeat is pointless.
True, but if they're in that condition after a GSW they're likely dead as doornail already. And trying CPR on someone with a hole and bullet in him is just not a good idea without advanced training. The idea is to move him as little as possible and staunch any immediate blood loss. That's about it. These are really complex injuries unfortunately and require expert treatment ASAP.
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