Lessons learned the hard way by loss......

[wynnp4]

So about a week ago I got a phone call from my cousin while I was in the grocery store.   The call went something like "Hey man... did you hear the news...."  I had not heard the news that my other cousins husband was killed in a hunting accident...... my heart sank....   While I was not particularly close to this cousin in law I am close to his father in law, my uncle.   I worked for him for many years and actually helped build the house my cousin and now deceased husband and children live in.....   

This was a shock to our family......   Brandon was a good father and a hard worker who was well liked in the community.  He was very active in Ducks Unlimited... unfortunately that is how he died.  He and his 9yo son were together in a duck hunting blind when the tragedy struck.  I don't know all the details but I know there was an ND (negligent discharge) and Brandon caught a load of steel shot somewhere in the upper thigh.  Fortunately for his son Brandon brother was in the next blind and was able to arrive in a matter of seconds.  Unfortunately nobody had any medical training or supplies......  I heard one report that they tried to get a belt around the let to help stem the blood.... obviously it didn't help...  A off duty NC Wildlife officer arrived soon thereafter but since he was in his POV he didn't have any of his on duty medical supplies that may have helped.  I spoke to him and he said he wold be changing that... (too little too late)...

If this story of family tragedy doesn't motivate you to seek out and get training nothing will.... You think it won't happen to you but you never know....  While I am not medic or even have much more than a few stop the bleed classes whenever I go into the woods hunting (especially bear hunting) I always have a few tourniquets and multiple pressure dressings as well as a celox impregnated bandage and a chest seal...

If you are a praying person please pray for the family of Brandon Marshall he leaves behind a Wife and three children... especially pray for his son.... he will need all he can get...

https://www.thewashingtondailynews.com/2021/01/27/brandon-m-marshall/

Brandon Martelle Marshall, 44, of Engelhard, died, unexpectedly Monday, January 25, 2021.

He was born in Pitt County on August 16, 1976, to Braxton Martelle and Veronica Sadler Marshall. He was married to Adriane Swindell Marshall who survives.

He was a graduate of Mattamuskeet High School and North Carolina State University, he was employed as an agronomist with Coastal Producers and worked for the family business at Martelle’s Feed House in Engelhard.

Brandon loved Hyde County, its people and the beauty of the land, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, an advocate for Ducks Unlimited, he served as the Hyde County Chapter president for many years. He was a past member of the board of directors for the Hyde County Farm Bureau, the Engelhard Sewer Board, and a former member of the Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department.

His passion for sports was evident as he was very instrumental in the continuous efforts to provide the Hyde County Youth with an athletic program, he loved children, coaching, and his Wolf Pack. His professionalism and hard working ethic allowed him to be one of the few participants of the NC State CALS Leadership Program traveling in different parts of the world.

Brandon’s family was the center of his life, he was a great father, who loved to be involved in his children’s activities and spending time with his extended family.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the family plot at Soule Cemetery. Pastor Jerald Craddock will officiate.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In addition to his wife, and parents surviving are his children, Carsyn, Watson, and Brennan Marshall of the home, two brothers, Justin Marshall and wife Amy of Carolina Beach, and Brian Marshall and wife Abigail of Engelhard; his nieces Vivian Marshall, Evelyn Marshall, Harper Swindell, and Josie Swindell, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law Barry and Debbie Swindell of Scranton, his brother’s in-law Alex Swindell, and wife Stephanie of Chocowinity and Matthew Swindell and wife Kaitlyn of Greenville.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Murl and Dancy Watson Marshall, and his maternal grandparents Otis E. and Marjorie Gibbs Sadler.

May GOD have mercy on his soul.... PS 23

[Jackalope]

   My condolences to you and your family.  It sucks that he died by a ND, because most are preventable.  As you've pointed out, having the proper equipment and training could potentially be a lifesaver.  Medical training can be one of your best investments.  Prayers to his family.

[JohnyMac]

Wynne, MrsMac and I are so sorry.

As I wrote in our digital exchange last night, Brandon, you, and the family are in our prayers.

73 & God Bless Brother.

[Felix]

In building or expanding our medical kits, an understanding of what happened to Brandon should be one of his life's markers.  A good marker, that saves life, even if he lost his.
Close up (within less than 20 yards depending somewhat on "choke") a shotgun wound is "cookie cutter".   That is, the shot column has little if any chance to widen and its kinetic energy has not reduced significantly.   Which translate into "removal".   Any flesh in line with the shot column is going to be either jellied or simply blown away with the passing shot.  Effectively removed.  In an instant.
Not being a coroner or having seen Brandon't report, I'm left to guess that he succumbed to blood loss and shock, not actual vital organ damage.
Question:  would one of the quick-clot applications available have kept him alive long enough for surgeons to repair the vascular damage and save his life?

[JoJo]

 Sorry for your loss.

[grizz]

Sorry for your loss