According to a 2019 American Psychological Association survey, a third of adults had fears about guns and shootings.

These incidents seem to be increasing in all types of areas. Preventative steps can provide comfort, even when you can't control another person. Live Action Safety specializes in emergency medical supplies in case the worst scenario arises.

Aside from getting supplies, you must know how to handle medical equipment. Look below to learn how to treat gunshot wound injuries with our reliable products!

Discover How to Treat Gunshot Wounds Step-By-Step

Without a medical degree, it can be difficult to approach gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, waiting for help to arrive can put a person's life further at risk.

After assessing the situation, you may need to make an important decision. Controlling the bleeding is essential, whether or not you think you can resolve the issue. Our guide will walk you through the steps of gun wound treatment so you can confidently help yourself or others.

Keep reading to learn how to treat gunshot wounds and properly use our Active Shooter Kits!

1. Designate Responsibilities

Designating responsibilities is one of the first steps to gun wound treatment. If you are the only person available to help, you can follow the steps in the same order to the best of your ability.

After identifying a shot individually, have someone immediately call 911 for help. If possible, move to a safe place so you can focus on care.

While one person is calling for medical help, you should put the shot person into the recovery position. The recovery position is ideal for unconscious or injured people and involves putting them on their side to increase airflow.

2. Manage the Bleeding

Shotgun wounds won't clot as quickly as a bit tongue or skinned knee. To stop the bleeding, act quickly, otherwise, unconsciousness or fatalities could occur.

Here are a few suggestions to help manage blood loss:

• Use a tourniquet
• Apply pressure
• Bandage the wound
• Elevate the shot area (unless shot in the abdomen or chest)

If you want to invest in the right tourniquet, take a look here to discover your best option! Avoid elevating a person's legs if the gunshot is near the abdomen or chest. Contacting 911 can also help when determining the best step forward.

3. Observe the Individual's Symptoms

It's best to pause after slowing down blood loss to ensure you don't worsen a person's condition. If they are alert, you can have them move to a more comfortable position, otherwise monitor their breathing.

Identifying the exit vs the entrance wound can get confusing, so don't get caught up in the minute details. Place our Finger Pulse Oximeter on the person while you apply bandages to monitor their heart rate and oxygen in the blood.

Our kits come prepared with all the essentials, but you must invest in some items to increase convenience. Having Live Action Safety equipment can help you save someone without any help from bystanders.

4. Take Action & Provide Treatment

In many cases, shotgun wounds can cause blood vessel injuries or may damage bones. Applying pressure until medical help arrives may be your only choice of action.

If there is a chest injury, things can get complicated but with our equipment, you'll have what you need. For sucking chest wounds, you must seal the wound with a form of plastic to prevent air from going in. Always observe the person's breathing condition and reverse actions if symptoms worsen.

For neck or spinal gunshot injuries, you shouldn't move the person inflicted. This could result in spinal cord damage or permanent paralysis. If the person stops breathing at any point, begin the Heimlich maneuver and repeat the process for as long as necessary.

5. Stay with the Shot Individual

You should never leave a person alone after they've been shot. Unless you are in present danger, do your best to remain with them until help can arrive.

Remaining calm is also essential so you don't panic the person or go into shock. Regardless of your comfort with injuries and blood, move with intention and focus on your breathing. Not only will deep breathing help you stay calm to carry on with treatment, but it can also help regulate the shot individual's nervous system.

Once medical help and police arrive on the scene, wait to leave until you speak with them. You can pass off the treatment to the medical team, who may ask you a few questions about their status. The police will also request a statement from you to determine who is at fault.

If you ever feel in danger and must flee, follow your instincts. This may happen in moments when you are alone and the shooter is still nearby.

6. Keep Moving Forward

Living through a shooting can be traumatic, no matter what level of exposure is experienced. To move forward, you must process your emotions and navigate the healing journey yourself.

Checking in on a shot person can provide comfort, but many fears could linger. Speaking with a doctor or therapist will improve your well-being in the long run and make you feel prepared for the future.

After helping someone with a shotgun wound, it becomes clear which types of equipment are worth investing in. If you want to simplify the process for future incidents, pack and restock your Active Shoot Kit.

At Live Action Safety, we help medical staff and American citizens feel prepared for the most unpredictable moments.

Put Stop-Bleeding Methods to the Test

You'll feel prepared after learning how to treat gunshot wounds and getting your Active Shooter Kit. Simply having the supplies to stop bleeding and creating a plan can provide comfort.

Controlling blood loss is critical, regardless of where a person has been wounded. Without sealing or slowing the blood, a person's life could be at greater risk. The consequences can be fatal, but with the methods mentioned above, you can take control of a situation.

Our team is located in Eugene, Oregon, but we offer prompt deliveries anywhere in the United States. If you're looking for affordable live-action safety gear, view our products on sale!