[The wounding potential of free-falling bullets].

Background: It was aimed in this study to clarify the wounding potential of free-falling bullets fired at 90° or close to right angles.

Mehtohds: In this study, 9x19 mm and 7.65x17 mm bullets, which are commonly used among civilians, were used. The muzzle velocities of these ammunitions were measured. According to the muzzle velocity data, the free-falling motion and strike velocity of the 9x19 mm and 7.65x17 mm bullets were simulated using the EBV4® External Ballistics Software at angles of 65°-90° with firings at 5° intervals. The simulation results were compared with critical velocity of tissues. In addition, the judicial records and press reports on this type of wound were examined and evaluated in light of the literature.

Results: The strike velocity and kinetic energy of free-falling bullets, which were fired into the air at 5° intervals between 65°-90°, were measured. The average strike velocity and kinetic energy of 9x19 mm bullets were 92.25 m/sec and 34.05 J and of 7.65x17 mm bullets were 79.66 m/sec and 14.91 J, respectively. As a result of the archives examination, 65 such wounds were detected between 2000 and 2012, and 27 of them resulted in death.

Discussion: According to these results, the strike velocity of free-falling 9x19 mm and 7.65x17 mm bullets, which were fired into the air, exceeds the threshold and critical velocity limits of skin and flat bones, and the kinetic energy of the bullets is able to cause significant wounding. Even though the symptoms and features of these types of wounds may not be similar to those of ordinary gunshot wounds in the first medical examination, the first responders should be aware of the possibility of gunshot wounds, and they should take into account the criminal investigation phase during the treatment process; the necessary precautions should be taken in order to preserve the evidence.