Pellet Gun Injuries
Air guns, also called BB guns or pellet guns, are weapons that fire a bullet or pellet by using compressed air or gas. Most often these weapons are kept at a low velocity and used for sports such as paint ball, or for military and police simulations. However, injuries from these types of weapons are common.
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Injury Types
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Because some varieties of pellet gun are strong enough to be used for hunting, there is a serious risk of someone receiving a wound from them. This could mean piercing of the skin, muscle damage and internal organ damage. Pellet guns that don't have that same power can result in bruising, lacerations and damage to the eyes.
Numbers
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According to the CDC, between 1992 and 1994 there was an average of more than 30,000 pellet-gun related injuries per year that were reported in U.S. emergency rooms. Ninety-five percent of those injuries resulted from people playing games in which pellet guns were used. The other 5 percent were related to accidents such as the pellet gun going off while it was being cleaned.
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Weapon Safety
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For more powerful types of pellet guns, a person should take the same precautions as are needed with a firearm. Do not point it at anything you don't want to shoot, keep the safety on when not shooting, make sure the range of fire is clear and don't goof around with the weapon.
Game Safety
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For pellet guns that are lower powered and meant for games or for play, safety precautions should still be taken. The force of the weapon should be checked before it's used, eye protection should be worn, as should body protection such as a foam chest piece or a heavy hood to protect the head.
Wounds
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If a person is wounded with a pellet gun, don't ignore it. Check the injury, make sure it corresponds to the type of pellet gun that's being used and then seek appropriate treatment for the wound.
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