When someone gets shot, the first 5 minutes are really crucial. A Gunshot Trauma Kit can save a life. If you are in the military or tactical field and have access to a military gunshot wound kit, this guide would be useful
This guide is especially useful if you're in the military or tactical field and have access to a military gunshot wound kit. And it also works to anyone who has a gunshot wound first aid kit.
Why you need a Gunshot Trauma Kit
The main goal of gunshot trauma kit is to control bleeding, preventing tension pneumothorax. A military gunshot wound kit is designed for combat zones, where help isn’t always nearby, and medical evacuation might take time. So, carrying a military gunshot wound kit that’s built for tough conditions could probably save your lives.
What should be contained in a Gunshot Trauma Kit ?
For Bleeding: Tourniquet, Compressed Gauze, Combat Gauze with Kaolin, gloves, trauma shears
For Chest Wound: Chest Seal kit, gloves, trauma shears
What to do in the First 5 minutes
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Stay calm to assess the situation and Make sure you and the injured person are in a safe place. You can’t help if you’re in danger too. Once you’re sure it's safe, move quickly to the casualty.
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
Massive bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death in gunshot wounds. Your first priority is to stop the bleeding, especially if it's from an arm or leg.
Related Medical Supplies:
Tourniquet: If the bleeding is from a limb and it's severe, apply a tourniquet immediately. A good military gunshot wound kit will include a high-quality tourniquet is ready to use staged for fast application. Place it as high as possible, and tighten as tight as possible.
Compressed Gauze: If the wound is too high or too deep for a tourniquet (such as on the neck or torso), use compressed gauze to pack the wound. This helps stop internal bleeding. Pack it tightly into the wound to put pressure on the bleeding vessel. After that, apply a trauma bandage to secure it in place.
Step 3: Seal the Chest Wound
If the gunshot wound is in the chest, you need to act fast to seal the wound as soon as possible. Gunshot wounds to the chest can cause a condition called tension pneumothorax, air gets trapped in the chest cavity and collapses the lung.
Related Medical Supplies:
Chest Seal for Gunshot Wound: Most gunshot wound first aid kits come with vented chest seals designed specifically for chest open wound.
Apply the chest seal directly over the wound, making sure the edges are completely sealed to prevent air from getting in. There might be an exit wound on their back—so check and apply another chest seal if needed. The vented type is recommended because it lets air and blood escape through channel while preventing air from re-entering.
Step 4: Check Breathing and watch for Tension Pneumothorax
Once you’ve controlled the bleeding and sealed any chest wounds, it’s time to check the casualty's breath and look for signs of tension pneumothorax. If the Casualty is having increasing difficulty breathing, this might be happening.
Signs of Tension Pneumothorax: Difficulty breathing, rapid shallow breaths, bluish skin (cyanosis), and chest pain.
Action: Ensure the vented chest seal is functioning properly, allowing air to escape. If breathing becomes more difficult, you may need to perform a needle decompression with proper training and equipment, or prepare for rapid evacuation.
In many cases, the person who is injured won’t make it to the hospital without immediate care. That’s why having a gunshot wound first aid kit nearby is so important. Whether it’s in your vehicle, home, or on you during outdoor activities, being prepared means you can provide lifesaving care.
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