I’m not an expert, I
have basic level skills, but I did some research and consulted a Physician
before writing this post. This is not
intended to provide medical advice, but to give you something to think about
and make your best decision.
When I took the Defensive Firearms Coach training recently
one of the topics was emergency medical response to a shooting on the
range. The instructors advocated a small
med kit with a tourniquet, compression bandage and a clotting agent (such as
quick clot), in a readily accessible bag.
I have such a bag attached to my primary range bag, so … easy. However, my pack also included a couple
tampons, based on previous advice from a recent returnee from Afghanistan. The instructors advised me to remove them but
we didn’t have time to talk why?
Well, I like to know Why, so I did some research. The web is full of conflicting opinions and
advice. Some for, some against. The arguments for seemed compelling, you
could insert one into the wound, it would expand to fill the hole, and apply a
pressure bandage over the top. The
arguments against were also compelling, you are introducing a foreign body into
the wound, potentially forcing dirt and debris deeper into the body, they are
not sterile, they are made to absorb, not clot, blood, and there is a risk to
the underlying tissue and organs.
Who to believe? I
emailed my favorite M.D. for an opinion.
Based on his advice, they have been removed from my kit. Mostly for the negatives above. At the range we are looking at immediate
action, stop the bleeding and treat for shock while awaiting the
ambulance. Most places, the timing in
minutes, not days. While the risk may be
acceptable in a combat zone, here at home, we are never that far from fully
trained emergency medical care.
Should you know how to apply a tourniquet? Yes.
Did you know that the guidance has changed over the years, specifically
about loosening it for a few seconds every hour or so? Once it is on, leave it alone. The risk of bleeding to death outweighs the
risk to an injured limb in the relatively short time until help arrives. Direct pressure, elevation if possible
(keeping the injured area higher than the heart), clotting agent if you have
it, and a pressure bandage. Once the
wound is secured, leave it alone and focus on the person. The immediate goal is stop the bleeding and
keep in injured person as comfortable as possible, and treat for shock. A basic Red Cross First Aid course can give
you the information you need to do that.
If they are conscious, talk to them, help them stay calm. Remember, in order to keep a victim calm, you
must remain calm. Believing you will
survive is critical to survival.
Statistics show that the majority of non-self inflicted gunshot wounds
are not fatal. Therefore, the odds are
good that with some immediate intervention, the victim will survive. They may have some interesting stories to
tell, but they will be around to tell them.
I hope this gives you something to consider, always do your
research, just because it sounds like a good idea, doesn’t mean it is.
Be Smart, Be Safe and Safe Shooting
