Question

On scene, frantic family members direct you into the basement where their 67-year-old mother has shot herself in the chest with a pistol. She is unresponsive and breathing six times a minute. The gun remains in her hand by her side. What action should you take immediately?

Answer 1

Remove the pistol by picking it from the grip edge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immediate action would be your safety and the safety of the patient. A patient who has shot herself might do it again if given the chance or can even shoot the person trying to rescue her. Hence, maintaining a safe distance and prioritizing safety is the immediate action by removing the pistol from her hand. Also, the pistol should be gripped from the edge so that the finger prints of the shooter remain on the handle.