Shilo soldier suffers gunshot wounds during training exercise

[old medic]

Canadian Press Article
http://www.cjad.com/node/530856
Sat, 2007-05-19 23:30
National News

CFB SHILO, Man. (CP) - A soldier at CFB Shilo in Manitoba remained in hospital on Saturday after suffering multiple gunshot wounds during a training exercise.

Lt. Amber Bineau, a spokesperson for the soldier's battle group, said the incident happened Thursday on the base's training grounds while troops were conducting small arms practice.

She said the soldier was taken to hospital in nearby Brandon in serious but stable condition, adding that the soldier's condition was still stable on Saturday.

"At the time, first aid was administered by one of the other soldiers who was trained in combat casualty care," Bineau said.

"He did suffer at least two gunshot wounds."

The name and age of the soldier have not been released.

Bineau said an investigation has been launched into how the incident occurred, which she said is automatic in such instances.

The injured soldier is a member of the 2nd Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, and was training to be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2008, Bineau said.

Bineau said the military usually issues a statement to alert the media when such events occur, but said one hadn't been issued in this case because officials were still in the process of getting the correct details.

"Until we get the facts straight, we aren't going to go out with anything," she explained.

 

[HItorMiss]

Once again TCCC saves a life. Standard first ad likely would not have...

I do not know the extent of his injuries of course but if he is listed as serious then they were bad.

Speedy Recovery and good job to the soldier that was able to use his training effectively

 

[Mike Baker]

Speedy Recovery and good job to the soldier that was able to use his training effectively

+1 

 

[IN HOC SIGNO]

Speedy recovery Troop. I hate to see these kinds of accidents but I'm sure glad our troops had the training to help immediately...BZ to those folks. 

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

HoM you are aware that tourniquets and quick clot are forbidden (at least they were not too long ago) domestically by medics.  This is what they (medics) told me prior to going on tour.  I hope he does well.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Hopes for a speedy recovery....

 

[HItorMiss]

Yup Quickclot is still to my knowledge illegal for use domestically. A tourniquet can be made from just about anything however.

I just know from personal experience that skills taught on that course, not just the items of use are very important, it's why I believe so strongly in the course as a QL4 and not just something done on predep. You just have a better handle on those types of injuries you're not just fumbling around with ABC and treat for shock.

I'm just glad someone with that skill set was there to do what needed to be done.

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

I think there is something about the legality of using any kind of tourn.  Now if it where me I'd risk the legal ramifications.  Just highlighting the lack of judgment our highers are showing esp. given this incident.  I could see outside of the military but I think trained personal should be able to apply tourn on other CF members.

 

[DirtyDog]

Why can't you use quickclot domestically?

 

[HItorMiss]

Quickclot is not approved by the Canadian Health Service for use in Canada.

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

Not to mention that if used incorrectly or without the right knowledge you can potentially do more harm then good.  The heat generated by the chemical reaction to fluid is phenomenal.

 

[HItorMiss]

Quagmire has it absolutely right. If not used right it could be a huge mistake

 

[p_imbeault]

Is the heat produced meant to cauterize the wound or is it just something that happens?

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

It basically fuses everything and stops the bleeding.  Problems can occur if it gets in the eyes and it is if memory serves only to be used on limbs.  It works well enough to stop a femoral artery bleed.

 

[KevinB]

Not to mention that if used incorrectly or without the right knowledge you can potentially do more harm then good.  The heat generated by the chemical reaction to fluid is phenomenal.

Well depends on which generation you have.  The ACS Sponge is a lot less thermogenic. -- I have both in my kit --

However one point is the TCCC course is a LOT more than QC and T's.

 

[HItorMiss]

It's just the chemical reaction that occurs as the water portion of the blood is removed leaving the red blood cell's behind to form the clot to stop the bleeding.

Though it does cause second degree burns and will cause some scarring that must be debrided(sp?) by the surgeons.

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

Your right about that Kev.  We use the powder stuff which as you know gets quite hot.

 

[deedster]

Speedy recovery, soldier. 

 

[Armymedic]

HoM you are aware that tourniquets and quick clot are forbidden (at least they were not too long ago) domestically by medics.  This is what they (medics) told me prior to going on tour.  I hope he does well.

I am sure he is not aware, because when I taught him, I did not tell him that because it is not true. Anyone can apply a tourniquet, anytime, anywhere, when it is indicated. If you think the person has a life threatening extremity bleed...put a tourniquet on it. Quikclot (QC) may be used in the military within established protocols, in Canada if issued. We can not use any product not approved by the Surg Gen, but we do use all sorts of medical product that have yet to be approved by Health Canada.

Not to mention that if used incorrectly or without the right knowledge you can potentially do more harm then good.  The heat generated by the chemical reaction to fluid is phenomenal.

50% correct, without adequate training and proper use, QC (or anything for that matter) is not effective. The heat is not "phenomenal".  It is hot, but only hot enough to cause superficial 1st degree burns on skin, and rarely causes any sort of burning in the wound areas. I personally have had it on my blood covered gloved hand, and only recieved small irritating burns, no more painful then a sunburn.

But QC is not the be all...it may be the end all, and if used properly can and will stop those bleeds that direct pressure take too long to stop.

As there is no additional info given in the news article, I would take a wild guess here that you are all talking out of you asses.

edit: I really should spell check before posting when I am annoyed.

 

[KevinB]

Second point -- while using QC may be outside of the scope of care in Canada -- Its not illegal - it can leave you open to a bunch of things, but its not like your going to be charged for administering a noxious substance.