GSW
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Gunshot wound |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
GSW stands for Gunshot wound, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
Injury caused by a bullet or other projectile fired from a gun, recorded with number, location and entry and exit wounds when identifiable. GSWs to the torso usually trigger the highest-level trauma activation.
Example: GSW x2 to L chest, hypotensive; to OR for thoracotomy.
Usage notes
Clinicians are advised to describe wounds rather than label them "entry" or "exit", which is left to forensic experts. Firearm injuries are a leading cause of death among US children and adolescents. Bullet fragments and clothing are preserved as evidence.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- ENPC – Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
- EP – Emergency physician
- ESI – Emergency Severity Index
- FAST – Focused assessment with sonography for trauma
- FB – Foreign body
- GLF – Ground-level fall
- HCP – Health care proxy
- HCPOA – Health care power of attorney
- HEMS – Helicopter emergency medical services
- HICS – Hospital Incident Command System
- ICS – Incident Command System
- IFT – Interfacility transport
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.