An Evidence-Based Approach to Managing Gunshot Wounds in the Emergency Department (Trauma CME)

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Firearm projectiles injure tissues by (1) permanent cavitation (crush injury) and (2) temporary cavitation (tissue stretching). (See Figure 2.)
• There is a growing body of literature to support the “scoop and run” (immediate transport) method for prehospital providers.^7-10
• The use of tourniquets to manage hemorrhage increases the survival of GSW patients.⁵
• The time the tourniquet was placed must be recorded and reported.
• For patients with penetrating trauma, spinal immobilization is not recommended.^21,22