First Aid for Gunshots, CS, Stab Wounds, etc.

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Perhaps I missed a thread on the old forum, but what are the proper ways to treat a gunshot, types of gunshot wounds (sucking chest wounds, etc.), what to do when exposed to CS gas, stab wounds, blast wounds and all the other fun things that can accompany a seriously out of control situation. In the absence of quick (or any) EMT response, we may be called on to deal with such matters to the best of our ability. None of the standard first aid books seem to have this info available, which is unfortunate in this day and age.

-- Rob (old@potrero.com), July 09, 1999

Answers

Info is available in an EMT text like The Brady basic EMT book or BTLS (Basic Trauma Life Support). Good info, but more technical in Special Forces Medical Handbooks.

What you really need is practice. Take an EMT course, go to every special trauma course you can find, (BTLS, hospital trauma days, grand rounds on trauma etc.) Sign up with your local volunteer Fire Dept or ambulance corps. Most people, even with training, freeze somewhat the first few times they meet a severe trauma. You have to get used to it.

Another great training tool is the videos most Fire Depts have for ongoing training...they will sometimes let neighbors borrow them or come in and watch them in the station.

-- seraphima (seraphima@aol.com), July 09, 1999.


Knowing how and when to close a sucking chest wound is one of the easiest things to do and will almost always save a life if there isn't too much damage under the hole. Zeda

-- Zeda (rickster@n-jcenter.com), July 09, 1999.

I second the advice about getting an EMT course. Check with your local community college. If you can't get that, or fit it into your schedule, check on an advanced first aid courses from the American Red Cross. (Former Ski Patrolman, Ambulance driver, EMT, ARC instructor, etc.).

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), July 09, 1999.

Having been shot once myself, I can tell you it hurts like Hell. Not only the shock, but heat. And a constant incapacitating ache. Sickness follows. Anything short of professional help is, in my opinion, disasterous. There are some items for which there is no substitute. That was over 40 years ago. At times, the area still aches.

-- A. Hambley (a.hambley@usa.net), July 09, 1999.

the ARC course you want is the 60 hour Emergency response course. IT AIN'T CHEAP but IS a DOT recognized First Responder course. (One of 8 instructors in Cuyahoga County, where the Chapter does NOT support the course). Beat up on your local chapter and GET THE COURSE it is ALMOST too late, given the time committment required.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), July 10, 1999.



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