Gunshot Wound: Care Instructions

Overview

When you've been shot, you can have a wide range of injuries. The injuries depend on the type of firearm used, the size (caliber) of bullet, where on your body you were shot, and how soon you were treated.

You may need a range of treatments as well, including surgery to remove the bullets or repair tissue. You may need to stay in the hospital while you recover. You may also get antibiotics or other medicines.

Whatever the extent of your wounds, there are things you can do to care for yourself at home. Your doctor may also want you to come back for a wound check. The doctor will check how your wound is healing and if you need more treatment.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow your doctor's instructions for how to care for your wound. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the wound with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• Keep the wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, you can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the wound dry.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you have stitches, your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
• If you can, prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.

Caring for your feelings about the shooting

• Ask your doctor for help if you find that you are thinking a lot about what happened, avoiding reminders about the shooting, or thinking negative thoughts about yourself and the world. No matter how the shooting happened, it can be traumatic. Counseling or some other kind of treatment can help you feel more in control of your emotions, have fewer symptoms, and enjoy life again.