Ballistic trauma facts for kids

A gunshot wound (often called a GSW) is a type of physical injury that happens when a gun is fired. This can involve bullets or other things shot from a gun.

Gunshot wounds are very serious. They can happen in different situations, like during sports, hunting, or accidents. These injuries can cause a lot of harm to the body. They can sometimes even lead to death or cause long-lasting health problems.

What is a Gunshot Wound?

A gunshot wound is damage to the body caused by a projectile (like a bullet) shot from a gun. The bullet travels very fast. When it hits the body, it can break bones, damage organs, and tear tissues.

The type of injury depends on many things. This includes the kind of gun used and where the body is hit. It also depends on how fast the bullet was going.

How a Bullet Causes Injury

When a bullet hits the body, it creates a path. This path is called the wound track. The bullet can cause damage in a few ways:

• Direct damage: The bullet tears and crushes the tissues it passes through.
• Cavitation: The bullet creates a temporary hole much larger than itself. This happens because of the energy it carries. This temporary hole can stretch and damage tissues around the bullet's path.
• Shock waves: The bullet also creates shock waves. These waves can travel through the body. They can affect organs and tissues far from the bullet's direct path.

The amount of damage depends on the bullet's speed and size. Faster and larger bullets usually cause more damage.

Types of Gunshot Wounds

Gunshot wounds can be different depending on how the bullet enters and exits the body.

• Penetrating wound: This happens when the bullet enters the body but does not exit. It stays inside.
• Perforating wound: This happens when the bullet enters the body and then exits. There is both an entry and an exit wound.

Sometimes, bullets can hit bones. This can cause bones to shatter. If a bullet hits an organ, it can cause severe bleeding. It can also stop the organ from working properly.

First Aid and Treatment

Gunshot wounds are medical emergencies. Anyone with a gunshot wound needs immediate medical help.

• Call for help: The first step is always to call emergency services.
• Stop bleeding: Applying pressure to the wound can help slow down bleeding.
• Keep safe: It is important to keep the injured person calm and warm.

Doctors and nurses treat gunshot wounds in a hospital. They might need to do surgery. This helps to remove bullet fragments or repair damaged organs. They also work to prevent infections. Recovery from a gunshot wound can take a long time. It often requires physical therapy and other medical care.

Images for kids

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  A medical diagram showing how to check for neck injuries.

See also

In Spanish: Herida por arma de fuego para niños