Can you REALLY survive a headshot? Headshots aren't ALWAYS instantly fatal. Survival depends on the angle of the bullet, the caliber, the type of round, and which parts of the brain are damaged. There are documented cases of people surviving and even regaining function, which is why immediate care matters! The first priority is stopping the bleed with direct pressure. Then rapidly check airway, breathing, and pulse. If they are choking on blood, lean them forward so it drains out of the airway.