scout wrote:Being a [former] Combat Lifesaver in the Army I'll throw in my 2 cents...
First, you should really only be using those quick-clot kits if you are hours away from a hospital like camping far up in the BWCA.
Secondly, a really common idea I'm seeing now among EMT's and combat medics is carrying tampons for GSW's. It makes sense, they're absorbent, they come sterile and individually packaged and even have a built in applicator to insert into the wound. Not to mention they are cheap and easy to come by (in comparison to "true" trauma dressings.)
Otherwise, most first-aid techniques would dictate to use a [type of] pressure dressing. If you want to learn how to apply one I strongly suggest taking a first-aid class or being shown from another trained individual, do not just use the internet on this one.
+1 on the tampons.
+1 on the quick-clot stuff, and not using it unless you know how it works and when not to use it.
I have taken the trauma nursing courses, am certified. I am also ACLS, BLS, and PALS, and have, in the past, worked in a Level 1 ED.
Unless you have the time to actually take advanced courses, taking a basic first-responder class and learning the basics is going to do more good than getting into hypothetical discussions. Without the baseline A&P knowledge, it is really hard to correctly assess and treat any serious injury or event.
It turns out that what you have is less important than what you do with it.