How do you treat a casualty with a gunshot wound?

The proper approach to treating a casualty with a gunshot wound involves prioritizing life-threatening issues, which is why the first step is to control bleeding. Gunshot wounds can result in significant hemorrhage, and managing this bleeding is critical to prevent shock and stabilize the patient.

After bleeding control, it's essential to assess the airway. A gunshot wound can compromise the airway due to blood, swelling, or anatomical damage, so ensuring that the patient can breathe effectively is crucial. This assessment comes before any evacuative measures, as proper airway management is vital for the casualty's survival.

Finally, once bleeding is controlled and the airway is assessed, evacuating the casualty becomes the focus. Rapid transport to a medical facility is necessary for further evaluation and treatment, as severe injuries often require advanced care that cannot be provided in the field.

The other options do not follow the appropriate trauma care protocol. Immediate surgery is not feasible on-site due to the lack of sterile conditions, anesthesia, and necessary surgical equipment. Applying ice to reduce swelling is not a priority for gunshot wounds where bleeding and airway stabilization are much more critical. Lastly, transporting a casualty without treatment neglects the immediate life-threatening conditions that must be addressed first. The correct approach is a systematic assessment and