Anaphylaxis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Mar 27, 2025
Time freezes when gunfire erupts. In those critical moments, after a bullet tears through the flesh, seconds become the currency between life and death. Gunshot wounds are complex medical emergencies that unfold in chaotic environments far from hospital settings. The human body is remarkably resilient yet devastatingly fragile when met with ballistic trauma. Blood vessels shred, tissues rupture, and vital organs falter. Yet, amid this damage, a proper, immediate response can create a bridge to survival.
Many people panic when they see a gunshot wound, but staying calm and acting fast can make a big difference. Do you know what to do if someone gets shot? This blog will explain the types of a gunshot wound, first aid steps when to use a tourniquet, emergency response actions, and long-term recovery.
Gunshot wounds can range from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. The severity depends on several factors, including the bullet’s speed, size, and the body part affected. Approximately 11,600 people have lost their lives to gun violence in the US in 2024.
Some wounds cause only surface injuries, while others damage internal organs, major blood vessels, or bones. Even small wounds can become serious due to infection or heavy bleeding. The following are common types of gunshot wounds:
These occur when the bullet enters the body but does not exit. The bullet may get lodged inside, causing damage to tissues, organs, or blood vessels. This type of wound can be dangerous because the bullet fragments inside the body increase the risk of infection or internal bleeding.
In this case, the bullet enters and exits the body, leaving both an entry and an exit wound. These wounds can be more severe than penetrating wounds because they often result in significant tissue damage and blood loss. The larger the bullet, the more extensive the injury can be.
These occur when the bullet grazes the skin, causing a minor cut or scrape. While these wounds may not be life-threatening, they still need medical care to prevent infection. Even a small wound can become serious if bacteria enter the body.
If a bullet hits vital organs, major blood vessels, or the spine, it can cause immediate and life-threatening damage. A gunshot to the heart, lungs, brain, or liver can be fatal within minutes if medical help is not received. The risk of death increases if there is severe bleeding or organ failure.
When someone is shot, quick action can save their life. The first few minutes are critical, and what you do during this time can make a difference. If you witness a shooting, follow these steps for gunshot wound trauma first aid:
Your priority is to stay safe. Do not rush to help the victim if there is still danger, such as an active shooter nearby. If possible, move the victim to a safe place before providing first aid. If it is not safe to move them, take cover and call for help.
Emergency medical service or EMS response is essential. Provide clear information to the operator, including the location, number of victims, and the type of injury. If possible, stay on the line and follow any instructions given by the dispatcher.
If the victim is unconscious, check if they are breathing. If they are not breathing and have no pulse, begin CPR immediately. Chest compressions help keep blood flowing until emergency responders arrive. If you are trained in CPR, give rescue breaths along with chest compressions.
Carefully remove clothing around the injury and expose the wound, which makes assessment more feasible for the medical professional. Never attempt to pull out a bullet or any object lodged in the body, as this can cause more damage and increase bleeding.
Gunshot wounds to the chest can create a dangerous condition called a sucking chest wound, where air enters the chest cavity with each breath. If you notice bubbling at the wound site or hear a sucking sound, create an improvised seal using plastic or any non-porous material. Tape it on three sides only, leaving one edge untapped to act as a one-way valve.
Apply firm and steady pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, bandage, or even your hand if nothing else is available. If the bleeding does not stop, add more layers of cloth for bleeding control, but do not remove the first one, as this can reopen the wound.
Gunshot victims often develop shock, which can be worsened by low body temperature. Cover them with blankets, coats, or whatever is available, but avoid moving them unnecessarily. Pay special attention to keeping the head warm, as significant heat loss occurs there.
Gunshot wounds often cause heavy bleeding, and too much blood loss can lead to shock. Shock is a dangerous condition where the body does not get enough oxygen, which can be fatal if not treated. With an understanding of how to stop bleeding and prevent shock, you can save a life in the time of emergency:
The most effective way to control bleeding is to apply firm pressure directly on the wound. Use a clean cloth, gauze, or your hand if nothing else is available. If the blood soaks through, do not remove the cloth; instead, place another layer on top and continue applying pressure.
If the wound is on an arm or leg and there is no broken bone, gently raise it above heart level. Elevation can slow the bleeding by reducing blood flow to the injured area. However, do not move the limb if there is a risk of a fracture.
For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, find the major artery supplying the wounded area and compress it against bone. For arm wounds, press the brachial artery against the inner upper arm bone; for leg wounds, press the femoral artery in the groin against the pelvic bone. This technique requires knowledge of anatomy but can dramatically reduce blood flow to an extremity.
For life-threatening bleeding from arms or legs that other methods cannot control, apply a tourniquet. Place it 2-3 inches above the wound (not on a joint) and tighten it until the bleeding stops. Note the time of application and write it on the victim’s forehead if possible, as medical professionals need this information. Once applied, do not remove a tourniquet; only trained medical personnel should do this in a controlled setting.
Shock causes the body’s temperature regulation to fail. Cover the victim with blankets, coats, or emergency thermal blankets if available, focusing on keeping the torso warm. Shield them from the ground’s cold by placing something underneath them if possible. Avoid overheating them with too many layers in hot weather.
If the victim loses consciousness, check their breathing and pulse regularly. If they stop breathing, start CPR immediately. If you are not trained in CPR, perform chest compressions until medical help arrives.
A tourniquet is a tight band used to stop life-threatening bleeding, mainly from severe limb injuries. It should only be used when direct pressure fails to control the bleeding. Incorrect use can cause severe complications, including nerve damage or loss of the limb. The common Do’s and Don’ts for tourniquet application are as follows:
| Dos | Don’ts |
| A tourniquet should be used only if direct pressure does not stop heavy bleeding. It is meant for life-threatening situations where blood loss is extreme. | Tourniquet application is only for severe bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure. Using them for minor injuries can cause unnecessary harm. |
| The tourniquet must be positioned above the injury site but not over a joint. If the wound is near a joint, apply the tourniquet above the nearest joint. | The tourniquet should be placed above the wound, never directly on it. Placing it on the injury site can worsen tissue damage. |
| The tourniquet must be pulled tight enough to stop blood flow completely. If bleeding continues, it should be tightened further. | Once applied, a tourniquet must remain in place until medical professionals arrive. Loosening it can cause severe blood loss or shock. |
| Keeping track of when the tourniquet was applied is important. Medical professionals need this information to prevent further complications. | If left in place for an extended time, a tourniquet can cause permanent nerve and tissue damage. |
| When medical help arrives, let them know that a tourniquet has been used and how long it has been in place. | If the tourniquet is not tight enough, it will not stop the bleeding and can make the injury worse by restricting blood flow without fully stopping it. |
Providing immediate care to a gunshot victim before emergency responders arrive can significantly improve their chances of survival. Blood loss, shock, and breathing difficulties are the most immediate threats. Taking the right steps in those critical moments can help stabilize the victim until professional medical help takes over.
Gunshot victims often experience fear and panic, which can cause their heart rate to rise and lead to increased bleeding. Speak to them in a reassuring tone and encourage slow, steady breathing. If possible, have them lie down in a comfortable position while you control bleeding and monitor their condition.
Shock occurs when the body does not get enough blood flow, leading to life-threatening complications. Watch for symptoms like pale or clammy skin, rapid breathing, confusion, and a weak pulse. If the victim shows signs of shock, keep them lying down with their legs elevated unless they have a head, neck, or chest injury.
Attempting to remove a bullet without medical expertise can worsen internal injuries. Bullets may be lodged near vital organs, and improper removal can cause severe bleeding or further tissue damage. Instead, focus on stopping external bleeding and keeping the wound as clean as possible.
A gunshot wound to the chest can cause breathing difficulties, especially if the lung is injured. If the victim struggles to breathe, cover the wound with a piece of plastic, such as a plastic bag or clean wrap.
Gunshot wound recovery depends on the location and severity of the injury. Some victims recover quickly, while others need long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Healing may involve multiple bullet wound treatments, including surgery, medication, and therapy.
Doctors assess the wound and take the necessary steps to prevent complications. If the bullet is still inside, they decide whether it needs removal. Some bullets can remain in the body without causing harm, while others need surgical removal.
Gunshot wounds create an open entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to a serious condition called sepsis.
Many gunshot victims need physical therapy, especially if their injuries affect movement. Gunshot wounds to the arms or legs may cause nerve or muscle damage, making it difficult to walk or use the affected limb.
Gunshot wounds require fast and proper first aid. Controlling bleeding, preventing shock, and knowing when to use a tourniquet can save lives. Always call 911 and provide as much information as possible to medical responders. Long-term recovery involves both physical and emotional care.
Would you know what to do if someone near you was shot? Most people freeze in crisis, not because they don’t care, but because they lack training. An online first aid course could equip you with skills that might one day save a loved one or stranger.
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