If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to help a hunting companion with a deep, open chest wound, there are some steps you should take immediately in order to help best. It is important to stay calm and to think quickly in order to save the life of your companion.

Step 1: Call 911

The first step to helping your hunting companion with a deep, open chest wound is to call 911 or your local emergency services number. This is a priority and should be done immediately because time is of the essence. The dispatcher will be able to provide you with crucial instructions on how to help your companion and will instruct you to wait for help to arrive before you do anything else.

Step 2: Treat Shock

If your companion is conscious and alert, they may suffer from shock. Shock can be deadly, so it is important to treat it as quickly as possible, even before medical help arrives. Signs of shock include pale or clammy skin, feeling cold or sweating, rapid breathing and a decrease in alertness. To help treat shock, lay your companion on their back and try to elevate their legs above the level of their heart. Cover them with a blanket or jacket and speak to them calmly in order to help keep them relaxed.

Step 3: Control The Bleeding

The next step is to control the bleeding. The way to do this is to apply direct pressure using a clean cloth or bandage. Do not remove the cloth or bandage once it is placed, as this can cause the wound to start bleeding again. If the wound is too deep for cloth or bandages to help, it is best to take a deeper approach. To do this, you can use a tourniquet (if available). Use the tourniquet high and tight on the limb on the side of the wound in order to help slow and eventually stop the bleeding.

Step 4: Wait For Help

The last step is to keep your companion as calm and comfortable as possible while you wait for help to arrive. Speak to them in a calm tone, offer words of encouragement and monitor their breathing for any changes. This can be a very difficult and stressful situation, and your companion needs your support and care more than ever.

In the case of your hunting companion suffering from a deep, open chest wound, it is important to stay composed and take the necessary actions in order to help your friend best. Focus on calling 911, treating shock (if present), controlling the bleeding and waiting for help to arrive. Following these steps will help ensure that you can provide the best response to your hunting companion in the most crucial of times.