Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a gunshot wound. The damage to your body depends on the type of gun, size of the bullet, and where you were shot.
The doctors think you likely will not have any serious problems from your wound. It is safe for you to care for yourself at home.
After being shot, it is normal to feel more stress or anxiety. You might feel angry or depressed. Talk with your regular doctor about these feelings.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●You might need to keep your wound covered as it heals. You might have packing or a drain in your wound to help it heal. If you have these, the doctor will show you how to change your dressing.
●Keep your wound clean and dry for the first 48 hours. Then, you can gently wash it with soap and water. Gently pat dry. Do not put it underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.
●Keep your wound covered with a clean dressing. Change the dressing if it gets wet or dirty. Otherwise, change it each day. Each time, look closely at your wound to make sure it is healing. It is normal for a wound to have a little yellowish discharge.
●Always wash your hands before and after touching your wound and dressing.
●Do not pick any scabs or scratch the area.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•You might have gotten a prescription for strong pain medicines. If so, follow all instructions for taking them.
•You can also take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain instead, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
•You develop severe chest or belly pain.
•Your wound starts bleeding, and you cannot get the bleeding to stop quickly with direct pressure.
•You feel very weak or like you might pass out, or you do pass out.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your wound opens up, and you can see muscle or other tissue below the skin.
•Your wound is draining thick yellow, green, or bad-smelling discharge.
•Your wound gets more swollen or red.
•You have redness spreading away from your wound.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your pain does not get better with pain medicine.
●Your wound is not healing.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: How to change a dressing (The Basics)
Patient education: Gun safety for families (The Basics)
