Responding to enquiries from several officers and units on treatment for gunshot wounds, Training Wing sought advice from Force First Aid and Paramedic Training Advisor Dr Chung Chin-hung. Here's what he had say:

Gunshots are generally more serious than other penetration injuries, such as those inflicted by knives and arrows. However, the basic principles of trauma management always apply - DRABC.

First, assess any continuing DANGER at the scene. Confirming safety, inspect the victim and check his RESPONSE or conscious level. Call for help early, especially an ambulance. Assess the AIRWAY patency of the victim and at the same time immobilise the neck to prevent possible further injury to the spine. If the patient is unconscious, open the airway with the trauma jaw thrust technique. Do not tilt the head or neck. Check if the victim is BREATHING normally and if necessary, assist their breathing, preferably with a pocket mask or a bag-valve mask resuscitator. If there is an open chest wound, cover it with gauze and seal on three sides. Deal with the CIRCULATION by looking for bleeding wounds, and stop the bleeding by direct pressure using gauze and bandages.

The important thing is to get them to hospital as soon as possible - 'scoop and run'. Always remember to protect the spine, even during transport. All minor wounds or fractures can be managed later in the ambulance.

By having proper first aid, the chance of survival of the victim is maximised. One final word of caution: even though the collection of forensic evidence is important, the life of the victim should always be the first consideration.

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