A collection of medical supplies intended for immediate use in the event of a penetrating injury caused by a firearm. It typically includes items designed to control bleeding, protect the wound from contamination, and manage shock until professional medical help arrives. These kits are not substitutes for professional medical care, but rather a temporary measure to stabilize a victim. Common components are tourniquets, hemostatic agents, sterile dressings, chest seals, and gloves.
The availability of such a kit can significantly improve survival rates following a shooting. Rapid control of hemorrhage is critical in the initial minutes after the event, and the items contained therein facilitate this. Historically, these provisions were primarily utilized by military personnel, but their application is increasingly recognized in civilian settings due to the rise in gun violence. The implementation of readily accessible resources is seen as a vital step in mitigating the consequences of firearm-related injuries.
