Discharge Instructions for a Gunshot Wound
It will take some time for your gunshot wound to heal. The length of time depends on your health and how serious the wound is. The bullet may have broken a bone in your body or caused a lot of damage to muscles, organs, or nerves. The bullet may also have been left in your body because getting it out would have caused you more harm. Follow these instructions and any others your doctor gives you to help you recover at home.
Wound care
Once you are at home, caring for your wound is vital. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Proper wound care may involve the following:
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Make sure the wound stays clean and dry. Wash it daily with soap and water.
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Raise the part of your body where the wound is, if directed.
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Don’t soak the wound, unless your doctor says it's okay to do so.
Also watch for signs of infection, such as:
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Redness or swelling around the wound.
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A lot of blood or pus coming from the wound.
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Foul odor.
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
Medicine
Your doctor may give you medicine to ease pain or to prevent an infection. Take these medicines as directed. If you have any serious side effects, talk with your doctor right away. If no pain medicines were prescribed, you may use over-the-counter pain medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Talk with your doctor before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your doctor if you have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Follow-up care
Your doctor may need to check on the wound from time to time to make sure it is healing normally. You may also need more surgeries, depending on the extent of your injuries. Follow-up with your doctor as directed.
It's normal to feel some stress and anxiety after a traumatic event like a gunshot wound. Tell your doctor if you are feeling anxious, angry, or depressed or having trouble sleeping or focusing. A mental health expert can help.
For additional support and information, visit Trauma Survivors Network.
Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur:
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Wound continues to bleed even after putting direct pressure on it
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For chest, back, or abdomen wounds:
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if you have:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
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Redness, swelling, or fluid leaking from your wound that gets worse.
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Pain that gets worse.
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Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse.
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New symptoms.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.