U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs; National Institute of Justice The Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice

Flowchart for Evaluation of Officer Shot While Wearing Body Armor

Behind Armor Trauma Sustained

  1. Standard ATLS® is priority
  2. Transport to nearest Emergency Department or Trauma Center
  3. Vest accompanies officer to hospital if possible

Evaluate Vest for Penetration

  • Yes. The vest was penetrated. Proceed with standard penetrating trauma management
  • No. The vest was not penetrated. Identify the location of the shot and proceed as follows:
    • Anterior chest outside cardiac zone: Imaging (CXR +/-CT). Management dependent on results.
    • Anterior chest inside cardiac zone: (CXR +/-CT) and EKG. Management dependent on results.
    • Posterior thorax:
      • Midline: CXR +/- CT
      • If lateral to midline back/flank: Use UA for presence of blood. If positive, consider contrast CT scan for further evaluation for renal conclusion. Management dependent on results.
    • Abdomen: Pain, tenderness or outward signs of trauma: CT scan with contrast. Management dependent on results.

Go to the Management Guidelines for Impacts to Body Armor .

Date Modified: November 14, 2011