Flowchart for Evaluation of Officer Shot While Wearing Body Armor

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.