First Aid for Shooters

I had a student recently ask me for a referral to a place where she could take first aid for emergencies, specifically since she is training with guns. This is a great idea and this blog is dedicated to her. 

We love to shoot and train with our guns. Whether it’s an indoor range, outdoor range or place in the desert or mountains that you call Your Range it is important to not only be safe, but to be prepared for first aid emergencies as well. 

As you guys know I have worked in the medical field for over 30 years.  Every other year we need to get re-certified in CPR for healthcare providers. We review fire procedures including calling for help, rescuing patients, containing the fire, extinguishing patient’s on fire, and using a fire extinguisher. On my own I have taken Stop the Bleed courses as well as Wilderness First Aid courses. 

And over the years I have put out 4 fires, done first aid on myself and others innumerable times and I still feel like there is a lot to learn in that area. But, because of my exposure and training over the years I take for granted sometimes, the knowledge that I have.  

If you like to shoot guns I would like to make a serious recommendation. 

Have and know how to use and IFAK medical kit

An IFAK is an Individual First Aid Kit. It is for bullet holes in bodies. Cops and soldiers have one with them at all times. Part of a soldiers “Kit” that they wear on them has an IFAK. It is for their own use. If shot, a medic or another soldier will use the kit from the soldier that has been shot. As a shooting instructor I always put out an IFAK kit in an obvious place for all to see and have access to in case of a training accident. I have 2 back up IFAK kits in the vehicle and also keep a tourniquet on my body. Necessary? Redundant? Excessive? 

Inside an IFAK is, at a minimum: 

1. a tourniquet, 

2. trauma shears, 

3. 2 chest seals, 

4. stop the bleed powder or gauze

5. 4” or 6” emergency bandage

6. Medical gloves PPE (personal protective equipment) 

Learning how to stop the bleed following a gunshot can save somebody’s life, including your own. Of course there are many other scenarios that might occur where a serious injury can cause bleeding. These can include natural disasters, auto accidents, workplace injuries, and accidents at home.

Before treating the victim it is important to ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others. Next, call 911 for assistance, stop the bleed, check the victim for other wounds, reassure the victim that they will be alright, and keep them from going into shock, hyperthermia or hypothermia.

Here is an online course for Stop the Bleed training. 

It is only the didactic portion of the course, so you would need to take a live course to do the hands-on portion to complete your training. I took this course most recently at Idaho CPR Plus. 

They offer a lot of different training and I encourage you to start this vital journey or continue your training in first aid. 

Here is their information: www.idahocprplus.com, 208-614-2258

They are located near the Boise Airport at 3669 W Wright St. Boise, ID 83705. I am not affiliated or compensated by this company, but I have taken a class from them and it was thorough and the instructor was engaging. 

Stay safe out there my friends and remember to train hard, train smart and train often. Including first aid training.