What happens to the tissue after a gunshot?

The bullet flings the surrounding tissue radially outward producing a temporary cavity considerably larger than the diameter of the bullet. This temporary cavity has a lifetime of 5 to 10 msec from rapid growth to collapse and undergoes a series of smaller pulsations and contractions before it finally disappears leaving the permanent wound track.

Is it dangerous to interpret a gunshot wound based on its size?

Interpretation of a wound based on its size is therefore a dangerous and unscientific practice. The size of the temporary cavity in relation to the location in the body where it occurs can make a big difference in the exit size.

How are gunshot wounds caused by transfer of energy?

Injuries are caused by transfer of energy and there is just not enough energy coming out of the barrel of a gun to move an adult human across a room. If there was, using Newton’s third law, the energy coming out of the barrel will also throw the shooter backwards which it doesn’t.

What happens when a person is shot in the head?

This would be a head shot in the vital triangle (formed by the eyes and nose) which would cause immediate incapacitation or any disruption high in the spinal cord which would sever the connection between the brain and the rest of the body also rendering the threat incapacitated.

When to take a gunshot victim to the hospital?

Ideally, a gunshot wound patient should be on the way to a hospital in an ambulance within 10 minutes of being shot. Gunshot wounds are puncture wounds and are typically treated the same. Don’t expect to be able to tell the difference between entrance and exit gunshot wounds.

How is a gunshot wound connected to the body?

Bullets can bounce around the inside of a patient. A gunshot wound on one side of the body that lines up with a gunshot wound on the other side of the body may or may not be connected by a straight line. Various dynamics affect the path around may follow.

What are the effects of a gunshot to the head?

Gunshot wounds can cause serious injury, including: Severe bleeding; Damage to tissues and organs; Broken bones; Wound infections; Paralysis; The amount of damage depends on the location of the injury and the speed and type of bullet. Gunshot wounds to the head or body (torso) are likely to cause more damage.

What kind of damage is caused by a gunshot?

A gunshot wound is caused when a bullet or other projectile is shot into or through the body. Gunshot wounds can cause serious injury, including: The amount of damage depends on the location of the injury and the speed and type of bullet. Gunshot wounds to the head or body (torso) are likely to cause more damage.