When the bullets fly and the dust settles, being able to handle trauma effectively can be the difference between life and death. At Intuitive Self Protection, we don't just teach you how to shoot. We teach you how to stay alive and keep your loved ones alive until emergency services arrive.
Head-to-Toe Assessment
In trauma situations, a quick head-to-toe assessment is where you start. Check for:
Massive Hemorrhage: Stop the bleeding first.
Airway Management: Ensure the person can breathe.
Respiration/Breathing: Look for signs of chest injuries.
Circulation: Check for pulse, skin color and temperature.
Hypothermia Prevention: Keep the person warm to prevent shock.
Since blood loss is the leading cause of preventable death in traumatic situations, we’ll focus more on how to stop blood loss. To stress the importance of knowing how to manage trauma, you want to have the mindset that “If I don’t intervene, someone will die”. That's why knowing how to slap on a tourniquet efficiently is a must.
The Hasty Tourniquet
Tourniquets come in different types, but the principles remain the same. You need to get it high and tight. This is what we call "The Hasty Tourniquet."
Step-by-Step: Applying a Tourniquet
Identify the Wound: First, locate the source of massive bleeding.
Position the Tourniquet: Place it as high on the limb as possible, above the wound, avoiding joints if possible.
Wrap and Tighten: Wrap the tourniquet around the limb and pull it tight. It needs to be tight enough to cut off blood flow.
Secure It: Fasten the tourniquet securely. Some have windlass rods that you twist to increase pressure, then secure.
Check for Effectiveness: Ensure the bleeding has stopped. If not, adjust the tourniquet and tighten further.
ISP Member applying a tourniquet under pressure. Speed and efficiency are critical here. You might only have seconds to save a life.
Wound Packing
When it comes to bullet wounds, wound packing is your go-to method. Proper wound packing can dramatically reduce blood loss.
Step-by-Step: Wound Packing
Find the Bleeding: Identify the exact location of the wound.
Insert Your Finger: Stick your finger into the wound to locate the source of bleeding.
Pack with Gauze: Using a bandage or hemostatic gauze, start stuffing the wound tightly.
Fill Completely: Continue packing until you can't fit any more gauze into the wound.
Apply Pressure: Once packed, apply firm pressure to control bleeding.
Wound packing is essential when a tourniquet isn’t an option for areas like the groin, armpits, and neck.
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Training for Real Life
At Intuitive Self Protection, we stress that life is precious. Take the time to learn these vital skills. Learning how to shoot is just one piece of the puzzle. You need to be just as proficient in handling the aftermath of a shooting or fight. Knowing how to manage trauma means you're prepared to act when needed.
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About The Author
Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.
