Shock caused by blood loss from a traumatic wound is a cold and clammy feeling mixed in with a shivering cold and the sensation of falling asleep and nausea. 

Unless immediate action is taken a funeral plan might be needed.  

Whilst most commercial first aid kits are set up to deal with ‘Lite’ type wounds, the limited amount and small size bandages will have trouble with arterial or large capillary bleeds.

I highly recommend that you attend a course Stop-The-Bleed. It will teach you how to deal with massive bleeding wounds with limited resources.

For many years Tourniquets have been frowned on as specialist equipment that only specialists should use.

The reality of specialists is that they are seldom around when you need them and more than likely you are going to have to wait for them to get to you or you are going to have to get to them: ASAP!

AXIOSTAT is a sponge that has a blood clotting agent soaked into it. Depending on the size of the wound it can be literally shoved into the hole or gash to quickly stop bleeding.

Honestly if you are on blood thinning meds, you need to have Axiostat close by.

Let’s assume that you have stopped traumatic bleeding, either with the correct use of Axiostat, a Tourniquet or your T-shirt stuffed into the holes and pressure applied. Yes, it will be messy (and I really hope you will be wearing protective Nitrile Gloves) but it can work.

Next you will have to deal with the consequences of the blood loss namely Shock and its symptoms.

This can range from feeling cold and starting to shiver and drowsiness. A simple Rescue Blanket can easily keep the victim warm.

Failure to do so will see complications from the shock set in a few days later as the grim reaper returns to claim what should have been his a few days prior.

There are tragic stories of lives that could have been saved bit for skill and/or a simple piece of gear.

Please folks consider carrying TheQuarterMaster IFAK. It will have most of what you need to deal wounds and injuries that result in blood loss.

Stopping the bleeding should be your priority. One can get oxygen into the victim after a few minutes, blood not so much.

TheQuarterMaster IFAK bag should be part of your range gear and be in your vehicle.

Gear plus skill might prevent tragedy for you or your family.

Stay Safe

Regards

Camo and TheQuarterMaster Crew.