If you’re afraid of being shot, you’re not alone. In
recent years, more and more Americans rank being involved in a shooting among
their top fears, leading to a rise in bulletproof protective
products for sale. However, you mustn’t let fear prevent you from living
your life. By learning in advance what to do if you or someone else gets shot,
you can conquer your anxiety and potentially save a life. Follow these steps:
Call 911: You
need medical professionals on-site quickly, so call 911 as soon as possible
after realizing someone has been shot.
Try to Stop the
Bleeding: Most gunshot victims die because of blood loss; even an injury to
the arm or leg can be fatal if the wound bleeds freely. Either apply manual
pressure on the wound or fasten a tourniquet tightly above the wound.
Don’t
Underestimate Internal Damage: Even if the victim is wearing a bulletproof
protective product that caught the bullet, there may still be serious internal
damage. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Plug Chest Wounds:
When there is an open chest wound, there is the risk of a lung collapsing
due to air being sucked into the cavity. Plug the hole with something
non-absorbent, like petroleum jelly from a first aid kit or even something
improvised like plastic or tape.
