How to Treat Gunshot(GSW) Wounds

Gunshot wounds are often violent and pose a serious threat to the victim's life. In such emergencies, correct and timely first aid measures are essential to save lives. In this article, we will introduce how to correctly treat gunshot wounds on the arms and hands, in order to provide the necessary first aid at the critical moment. 

Characteristics of gunshot wounds:

Unlike ordinary trauma, gunshot wounds have the following distinctive features.

1. Heavy bleeding

Gunshot wounds cause extensive tissue destruction and usually bleed heavily.

2. Severe wound lacerations

The force of the bullet is so great that it causes severe tearing of the surrounding tissues.

3. Presence of shrapnel and debris

Bullets and shrapnel may remain in the body, aggravating the injury.

4. Fractures and tendon ruptures may result

The impact of a gunshot wound may also cause fractures or tendon ruptures.



On-site assessment:

Before administering first aid, the scene needs to be assessed.

1. Ensure a safe environment. The first step is to ensure the safety of the rescuer from further injury.

2. Determine the extent of injuries and bleeding. Quickly assess the injuries and bleeding of the injured person and determine what first aid is required.

3. Seek professional medical assistance. At the same time, call for professional medical assistance as soon as possible for further treatment. 


Stop Bleeding and Dressing:

For gunshot wounds, controlling bleeding is a priority. The following measures can be taken to stop bleeding

1. Direct pressure to stop bleeding

  • Use hemostatic gauze or sterile dressing to apply direct pressure on the wound to stop bleeding.
  • Care should be taken with the position and technique of pressure to avoid further injury.


2. Application of tourniquet/compression bandage

  • A tourniquet or compression bandage can be applied to a gunshot wound on a limb.
  • However, attention should be paid to the time and strength of application to avoid affecting the blood circulation of the limb.  


How to treat gunshot wounds to arm and hand


Wound management:

After the bleeding has been controlled, further wound management is required.

1. Debridement and irrigation

  • The wound should be debrided and flushed with an appropriate antiseptic solution such as saline. 
  • Asepsis should be observed to avoid infection.

2. Removal of debris and shrapnel

  • Carefully remove debris and shrapnel from the wound using sterile forceps. 
  • Avoid further injury during the procedure.

3. Dressing and immobilization

  • Dress the wound with sterile gauze and bandages and immobilize the limb.
  • Immobilization prevents secondary injuries and facilitates subsequent treatment.

Mastering the skills of gunshot wound treatments requires a lot of hands-on practice, and high-fidelity models can provide us with a safe simulation training platform. MedEduQuest has launched the Multiple Wound Bleeding Control Arm Trainer, which can highly simulate the environment of real gunshot wounds, and can be injected with special artificial blood to make the wounds bleed. In this highly simulated environment, you can repeatedly practice first aid operations such as hemostasis, bandaging and wound treatment until you are fully proficient. 

By practicing repeatedly, we can truly master the first aid skills of gunshot wounds and provide accurate rescue at the critical moment to save lives. Whether you are in clinical practice or professional training, MedEduQuest's products will be a great tool for you to improve your skills.

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