Basic First-Aid for Hunting Related Accidents

The first considerations for a person treating a hunting accident victim are Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

Response:

• Gently shake the victim and ask in a strong voice, "Are you all right?"
• Is the victim alert, confused, or unconscious?

Airway:

• Is the airway open and clear?
• Are there potential obstructions such as blood in the airway?

Breathing:

• Look to see if the chest rises.
• Listen for the sound of breathing.
• Feel by placing your ear over the victim's mouth?

Circulation:

• Is there a carotid pulse in the neck?
• Is there major blood loss?

If the victim is conscious then treat the injuries.

If the victim is unconscious and breathing, place the victim in a comfortable position with the head tilted to one side and treat the other injuries.

If the victim is unconscious and not breathing begin CPR.

Immediate Treatment for Gun Shot and Knife Wounds

Wounds to the limbs

Wounds to the Torso

Abdominal wound

Head wound

A basic first aid kit

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Wounds to the limbs

1. Quickly inspect the wound and look for exit wound.
2. Remove clothing from the area if it is not stuck to the wound.
3. Apply nonadherent pad or dressing.
4. Apply pressure to control bleeding.
5. Apply a firm roller bandage.
6. Elevate the limb if the injury permits.
7. Seek medical attention.

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Wounds to the torso - open chest wound

1. Expose the wound by removing clothing from the area.
2. Quickly inspect the victim for an exit wound.
3. Apply a nonadherent pad over the wound, taped on three (3) sides only. This forms a flutter valve, thus allowing air out but not into the wound.
4. Apply a bandage over the pad securing it loosely so it won't interfere with the flutter valve.
5. Place the victim on his or her injured side. This allows the good lung to function properly.
6. Seek medical assistance.

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Open Abdominal Wound:

1. Place victim on his/her back with the knees bent unless other injuries prevent it
2. Turn the victim's head to one side in case of vomiting.
3. Cover would with a nonadherent dressing.
4. Do not attempt to replace protruding organs.
5. Place supporting bandage over wound.
6. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink due to vomiting.
7. Seeking medical assistance is urgent.

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Wounds to the Head:

1. Maintain an open airway by clearing vomit, mucus, blood, and debris away as needed.
2. If blood seeps through first dressing, apply a second dressing directly over the first dressing.
3. If repositioning of the victim is necessary, always support the head and neck.
4. Seeking medical assistance is urgent.

Many source manuals were used for these aid tips - The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook, Department of the Army Field Manual 8-230, and US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook ST31-91B. Dr. Tom Magill, emergency room physician, Medcenter One, Bismarck, reviewed the section on basic first aid.

First Aid Kit

Here's a list of basic supplies to start your own first aid kit.

Copy of a first aid manual.

Adhesive bandage strips (assorted sizes)

Sterile nonadherent pads

Sterile gauze pads

Steri-strips

Roller bandages

Adhesive tape

Elastic bandages

Triangular bandage

Blunt-tipped scissors

Tweezers

Bulb syringe (to rinse eyes or wounds)

Thermometer

Chemical cold packs

Space blanket

Antiseptic wipes or antiseptic solution

Antiseptic spray

Antibiotic ointment

Calamine lotion

Pain reliever (e.g., Ibuprofen)

Safety pins

Flashlight

Disposable latex gloves

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