In combat medicine, a well trained medical responder educates themselves on human anatomy in order to give better care, but it may be worth while for the active shooter to understand anatomy as well. Here is a little tid bit of information that will benefit both medical personnel and the active shooter regarding the anatomy of the face.
Medical staff has many considerations to think about when it comes to facial trauma. Maintaining an airway is one of the most pertinent, but understanding the anatomy of the face can help them with their management of care. The picture above and to the left show major vessels and organs within the face. The triangle in red highlights a critical area of the face that should be held in high regard if severe trauma has occurred there. Within this triangle you will find sinus cavities, major blood vessels, organs, and nerves below the skin/bone surface. Medical personnel should follow proper ATLS algorithms, establish an advanced airway ASAP, look out for severe bleeding, and attempt to stabilize any fractures without compromising the airway. Death or further injury can occur from injuries to this area, so the medical staff should monitor their patients closely by constantly checking vital signs, level of consciousness, and motor function. A higher echelon of care will be needed for these patients in order to survive.
If you are the active shooter, reading the above was pretty boring….unless it just gave you a sweet spot to aim for. If you look at the anatomical picture above and to the right you will see a face with a red box around the nose. This red box could be considered the “KillBox.” If you are aiming in or have a chance up close to get a round off in this area….You will do some major damage. That’s if they survive the wound all together. Death is highly likely for a person shot in this area, but if they survived the initial shot, they would need surgical procedures to increase their chances of survival. Now, you are probably thinking to yourself, “why don’t I just shoot them in the head”…Well sure. Shoot them in the head, but some people survive these shots unless you completely blow the back of their brains open. 9mm rounds have been known to enter the skull and ricochet around the skull and not cause any damage. Your best bet….Get em in the “KillBox”
If you have anything to add or have any questions or concerns please comment them below. These are just things to to think about a little and perhaps pay mind to in the future.
Thank you,
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