1. I'm interested in how we can assess the stages of wound healing to choose appropriate care. For example, I'm aware of comfrey not being appropriate for any kind of deep open wound. 2. Im also interested in what would be appropriate for a gunshot wound where the person is already stable and has been discharged from hospital. I haven't seen this wound yet, but am being asked for a recommendation. Aside from wound care, I'm thinking emotional/stress support would be excellent for this person. Do you have resources for this? I know 7song has solid first aid handouts but am looking for further detail in assessment.

I suppose acute traumatic stress support could be a #3 here. I am reviewing 7song's handouts now but would appreciate any combination of recommendations and/or resources. Thank you!

You will have a class on topical applications towards the end of the program. It is true Comfrey is not appropriate for puncture wounds, as for gunshot wounds I have never treated one. I suppose it really depends on the nature of the wound, someone grazed by a bullet would be no different than most surface wounds. It is deep penetrating wounds that would be an issue, the location may also be a factor . I could see using strongly antibacterial agents such as strong Manuka honey for this, EO of Lavender, decoctions of Usnea, Goldenseal, Isatis, etc as a poultice. If there was still some bleeding Yunnan Bai Yao, Yarrow decoction, or Yarrow and Plantain leaf and root decoction. As for emotional support, nervines, calming adaptogens, anxiolytics as are appropriate to the person and situation. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy may also be of use. As for assessment, I am not sure how wound care specialists look at the stages of wound treatment (I would bet there are some good resources on-line for this),but early stage is controlling bleeding, infection and inflammation and pain, once bleeding has stopped you still need to prevent infection and inflammation from trauma and that which occurs with healing, you want to promote drainage and relieve pain. Once the tissue is knitting you want to promote healing, reduce pain and itching, by this point hopefully drainage has stopped depending on the depth of the wound and the level of damage.