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Originally Posted by
MSparks909
Once it was secured I had the lucidity to look at my watch to write down the time it was applied.
No harm in that, but not necessary. It's not even taught in some curriculums anymore.
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I then took some combat gauze and stuffed it inside the hand/stump and then wrapped regular gauze around what remained of his hand.
Pressure dressing stumps and deforms isn't taught or practiced as much as it should be. Great video here: http://www.traumamonkeys.com/stump-dressing/
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All things considered the gentleman handled it pretty well. Better than some of the eyewitnesses...
Normal.
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It took EMS 13-15 minutes to arrive on scene and start rendering aid.
That's pretty good.
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I had EMS, Police and the eyewitnesses ask if I had any medical training or if I was EMS or a Corpsman in the military. The only “medical” brief I’ve ever received was in a DeFoor class during one of the lunch breaks. He covered the basics of how to apply a tourniquet, combat gauze, etc. I never really thought much of it beyond that but going forward I will be taking a TCCC course in the near future. I have 2 D.A.R.K. kits on order that will go with me at all times from now on.
It takes so little time, to make people so useful. Good on you.
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Couple things in hindsight...I will *ALWAYS* bring a kit with me whenever I go shooting or hunting from now on. And it will either be on my person or in a range bag.
Yes. Range bag, LBE, on your body, whatever. Have it immediately available.
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I probably should have used trauma shears to cut his jacket sleeve off so I could apply the tourniquet closer to bare skin, but admittedly I was quite jittery and wanted to stop the blood flow ASAP. I did get it quite high and tight and it did stop the blood flow. It was a CAT tourniquet for those curious.
Unless you're dealing with heavyweight garments/coveralls, bunker gear, stuff like that, don't waste time removing clothing. Get the first TQ on and get the best effect you can. Then, get your field clear and apply any additional TQs you need in more optimal fashion. Depending on your needs/wounds, you can then clear the first TQ (some will disagree), or convert to dressing if indicated and situation appropriate (more training/experience helpful).
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In short, if you don’t have a blowout kit...GET ONE. At the very least throw a tourniquet and some combat (hemostatic) gauze and compression gauze in your range bag or vehicle. It could save your or someone else’s life.
Preach it. Good job.