First Aid and Gunshot Wounds

In just a period of 144 days in 2018, there were 129 deaths in 101 mass shootings in the United States. While logically the focus is to save lives; would you know how to help someone after a gunshot wound?
Regardless of the weapon used, bleeding control is a critical factor in the treatment of a gunshot victim. In the even of a shooting is it critical for bystanders and/or survivors to act before paramedics or professional help arrives. In other words, teaching bystanders and non-healthcare provider how to stop the bleed. 
Mount Sinai trauma surgeon Dr. Grace Chang, along with the American College of Surgeons, has reiterated the importance of bleeding control techniques. Dr. Chang stated that “It should be as easy as teaching CPR. You take any cloth or gauze that you have, and you actually apply direct pressure to the wound with both hands". She proceeded to state that "If that doesn’t help, pack the wound."
The following steps are  good guideline:

1. Call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions.
2. Stop the bleeding. Pressure is the most important thing. If blood is coming out of a hole, put a lot of pressure on it. Use a dressing  such as gauze, towels, shirts, etc. as dressings help the blood to clot and seal the wound.
3. Use a tourniquet if you can.
4. If the patient is not breathing, begin CPR.
5. Seal gunshot wounds to the chest with some type of plastic to keep air from being sucked into the wound. This helps prevent the development of a collapsed lung. If the patient begins complaining of worsening shortness of breath after sealing the wound, remove the seal.

Surviving a gunshot wound is dependent on the time that the victim receives professional medical care. Ideally, a gunshot wound victim should be on the way to a hospital in an ambulance within 10 minutes of being shot. However, always remember that gunshot wounds are puncture wounds and are typically treated the same. 

References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-treat-a-gunshot-wound-1298915
​https://wgntv.com/2018/05/24/how-to-help-someone-after-a-gunshot-wound-according-to-doctors-experts/