ER physician urges hunter safety as shotgun deer season opens

Iowa's shotgun deer hunting season begins Saturday morning.  Each year a number of injuries occur during hunting season.

WMC emergency medicine physician Dr. Larry Barthel says the most common medical emergencies include heart attacks, injured backs, and broken bones.  Barthel says hunters should watch for heart attack warning signs; learn some basic first aid before heading to the woods, including how to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation); use safety belts while hunting in elevated tree stands to help protect against injuries; and let family members know where you'll be hunting and take cell phones or loud whistles along in case help is needed.  

Dr. Barthel also notes four basic rules of firearm safety: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target and what's beyond it, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.  "If these rules are followed, many accidents related to firearms can be avoided," he says.