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Flowchart for Evaluation of Officer Shot While Wearing Body Armor

Description

Behind Armor Trauma Sustained

  1. Standard ATLS® is priority
  2. Transport to nearest Emergency Department or Trauma Center
  3. Vest accompanies officer to hospital if possible

Evaluate Vest for Penetration

  • Yes. The vest was penetrated. Proceed with standard penetrating trauma management
  • No. The vest was not penetrated. Identify the location of the shot and proceed as follows:
    • Anterior chest outside cardiac zone: Imaging (CXR +/-CT). Management dependent on results.
    • Anterior chest inside cardiac zone: (CXR +/-CT) and EKG. Management dependent on results.
    • Posterior thorax:
      • Midline: CXR +/- CT
      • If lateral to midline back/flank: Use UA for presence of blood. If positive, consider contrast CT scan for further evaluation for renal conclusion. Management dependent on results.
    • Abdomen: Pain, tenderness or outward signs of trauma: CT scan with contrast. Management dependent on results.