Discharge Instructions for a Gunshot Wound

Wound care

Once you are at home, caring for your wound is vital. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Proper wound care may involve the following:

• Make sure the wound stays clean and dry. Wash it daily with soap and water.

• Raise the part of your body where the wound is, if directed.

• Don’t soak the wound, unless your doctor says it's okay to do so.

Also watch for signs of infection, such as:

• Redness or swelling around the wound.

• A lot of blood or pus coming from the wound.

• Foul odor.

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

Medicine

Your doctor may give you medicine to ease pain or to prevent an infection. Take these medicines as directed. If you have any serious side effects, talk with your doctor right away. If no pain medicines were prescribed, you may use over-the-counter pain medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Talk with your doctor before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your doctor if you have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Follow-up care

Your doctor may need to check on the wound from time to time to make sure it is healing normally. You may also need more surgeries, depending on the extent of your injuries. Follow-up with your doctor as directed.

It's normal to feel some stress and anxiety after a traumatic event like a gunshot wound. Tell your doctor if you are feeling anxious, angry, or depressed or having trouble sleeping or focusing. A mental health expert can help.

For additional support and information, visit Trauma Survivors Network.

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• Wound continues to bleed even after putting direct pressure on it

• For chest, back, or abdomen wounds:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Painful breathing

  • Back or abdomen pain that gets worse

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness or fainting

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• Redness, swelling, or fluid leaking from your wound that gets worse.

• Pain that gets worse.

• Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse.

• New symptoms.