Blast & Ballistic Trauma
The purpose of this workshop is to equip students to deal with victims of ballistic injuries and serious trauma in remote or urban environments. Students will gain the most up-to-date knowledge and valuable hands-on practise with the use of both commercially available first aid equipment and also learn how to improvise back-country treatments for serious trauma.
Ballistic injuries, whether caused by gun shot or other means, present unique challenges to the first aider. These challenges are further complicated when the injury occurs in a remote environment, where access to medical supplies, transport and advanced care is unavailable or, at the very least, delayed. The consequences of gunshot injuries can be life threatening if not treated immediately and effectively. Awaiting the arrival of EMS is rarely the best option.
This workshop explains the mechanism of firearms injuries and the consequences of various types of ammunition on the human body. You will learn how to deal with major haemorrhage, thoracic (chest/lung) injuries, soft tissue and muscular-skeletal injuries. You will gain an understanding of how the body reacts to major trauma, how to package and provide on-going care for your patient whilst awaiting help or evacuating and what to do in order to give your patient their best chance of survival.
Suitable for Law Enforcement, Military or those who use firearms either recreationally or in a professional capacity. The workshop can be tailored for specific group needs and can be presented as a foundation course or skills-builder for those with previous first aid experience.
Basic Course:
Prerequsite: None
Hours: 8
Notes: Speciality course that could be delivered to Hunters; SAR members called to search for missing hunters etc.
Advanced Course:
Prerequsite: None
Hours: 16
Notes: Suitable for enforcement professionals where firearm injuries are possible.