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Questions and Answers
What is the defining characteristic of a close-range gunshot wound?
What is the defining characteristic of a close-range gunshot wound?
What causes the blackened eye in a firearm injury?
What causes the blackened eye in a firearm injury?
How does the entrance wound of a gunshot differ from a bullet wound?
How does the entrance wound of a gunshot differ from a bullet wound?
What is the defining characteristic of a distant gunshot wound?
What is the defining characteristic of a distant gunshot wound?
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What is the main reason why exit wounds can be larger and more irregular than entrance wounds?
What is the main reason why exit wounds can be larger and more irregular than entrance wounds?
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Why might multiple exit wounds occur in a gunshot injury?
Why might multiple exit wounds occur in a gunshot injury?
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What is the main factor that determines the size and shape of a gunshot entrance wound?
What is the main factor that determines the size and shape of a gunshot entrance wound?
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What is the term used to describe the burning and soot soiling found around a gunshot wound?
What is the term used to describe the burning and soot soiling found around a gunshot wound?
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What is the term used to describe the irregular rim surrounding a shotgun wound caused by the spread of shot at intermediate ranges?
What is the term used to describe the irregular rim surrounding a shotgun wound caused by the spread of shot at intermediate ranges?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically observed in contact shotgun wounds?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically observed in contact shotgun wounds?
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At which range would significant smoke soiling and burning of the skin be most likely to occur?
At which range would significant smoke soiling and burning of the skin be most likely to occur?
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Which of the following describes a shotgun entrance wound characterized by a large, ragged defect in the chest wall and soot discoloration at the medial wound edge?
Which of the following describes a shotgun entrance wound characterized by a large, ragged defect in the chest wall and soot discoloration at the medial wound edge?
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What is the primary reason for the radial pattern of skin lacerations observed in contact shotgun wounds?
What is the primary reason for the radial pattern of skin lacerations observed in contact shotgun wounds?
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What does the term 'stippling' refer to in the context of shotgun wounds?
What does the term 'stippling' refer to in the context of shotgun wounds?
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Which of the following best describes the appearance of a shotgun wound caused by a long-range discharge?
Which of the following best describes the appearance of a shotgun wound caused by a long-range discharge?
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How reliable is the relationship between the spread of shot and the range of a shotgun discharge?
How reliable is the relationship between the spread of shot and the range of a shotgun discharge?
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Which of the following professionals might be involved in establishing the identity of a deceased person?
Which of the following professionals might be involved in establishing the identity of a deceased person?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a primary identification criteria?
Which of the following is NOT considered a primary identification criteria?
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What is the primary reason why the specificity of fingerprints and dental assessments has been questioned in recent years?
What is the primary reason why the specificity of fingerprints and dental assessments has been questioned in recent years?
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What is the main purpose of comparing DNA profiles with known family members or databases during identification?
What is the main purpose of comparing DNA profiles with known family members or databases during identification?
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Which of the following is an example of a secondary identification criteria?
Which of the following is an example of a secondary identification criteria?
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What is gait analysis, and how is it used in the context of identification?
What is gait analysis, and how is it used in the context of identification?
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Why might establishing a person's age be relevant in criminal cases and asylum applications?
Why might establishing a person's age be relevant in criminal cases and asylum applications?
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Which of these is NOT mentioned as an additional technique that can assist in identification when traditional methods are limited?
Which of these is NOT mentioned as an additional technique that can assist in identification when traditional methods are limited?
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Why was the autopsy documentation of JFK's death heavily criticized?
Why was the autopsy documentation of JFK's death heavily criticized?
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What is the main area of dispute surrounding the autopsy of JFK?
What is the main area of dispute surrounding the autopsy of JFK?
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What is the primary reason for the continued speculation about the circumstances surrounding JFK's death?
What is the primary reason for the continued speculation about the circumstances surrounding JFK's death?
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What is the implication of the inadequate forensic autopsy in JFK's case?
What is the implication of the inadequate forensic autopsy in JFK's case?
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What is the main argument made by the author in relation to the autopsy of JFK?
What is the main argument made by the author in relation to the autopsy of JFK?
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What is the author's implication in mentioning the House Select Committee on Assassinations Report?
What is the author's implication in mentioning the House Select Committee on Assassinations Report?
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What is the significance of the forensic pathological evidence being scrutinized for PBS America?
What is the significance of the forensic pathological evidence being scrutinized for PBS America?
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What is the author's main message conveyed through this excerpt?
What is the author's main message conveyed through this excerpt?
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What is the primary purpose of the Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP)?
What is the primary purpose of the Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP)?
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What is a key design feature of the AEP projectile aimed at reducing potential life-threatening injuries?
What is a key design feature of the AEP projectile aimed at reducing potential life-threatening injuries?
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What type of weapon is the Heckler and Koch L104A2, used to fire the AEP?
What type of weapon is the Heckler and Koch L104A2, used to fire the AEP?
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What type of injury is most commonly associated with stud guns used in the building industry?
What type of injury is most commonly associated with stud guns used in the building industry?
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What is the purpose of the compliant material inside a 'beanbag projectile'?
What is the purpose of the compliant material inside a 'beanbag projectile'?
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What types of weapons are commonly used to stun animals before slaughter?
What types of weapons are commonly used to stun animals before slaughter?
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Which of the following are approved for use by the UK Home Office as a less lethal alternative to firearms?
Which of the following are approved for use by the UK Home Office as a less lethal alternative to firearms?
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Which of the following weapons is most likely to cause a skin wound resembling multiple small-caliber entry wounds?
Which of the following weapons is most likely to cause a skin wound resembling multiple small-caliber entry wounds?
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Flashcards
Dome effect
Dome effect
The phenomenon where expanding hot gases raise a dome under the skin, causing it to split.
Ragged entrance wound
Ragged entrance wound
An irregular gunshot wound created by the dome effect, leading to torn skin edges.
Distant gunshot wound
Distant gunshot wound
A circular entrance wound with no soot or burning at the edges, typically from a rifle bullet.
Minimal abrasion
Minimal abrasion
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Close-range gunshot wound
Close-range gunshot wound
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Bleeding tracking
Bleeding tracking
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Exit wound characteristics
Exit wound characteristics
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Multiple exit wounds
Multiple exit wounds
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Beanbag projectile
Beanbag projectile
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Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP)
Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP)
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L60A2
L60A2
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Heckler and Koch L104A2
Heckler and Koch L104A2
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Impact energy attenuation
Impact energy attenuation
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Humane killers
Humane killers
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Bows and crossbows
Bows and crossbows
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Accidental discharges
Accidental discharges
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Contact Wounds
Contact Wounds
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Radial Pattern
Radial Pattern
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Intermediate Range
Intermediate Range
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Soot Staining
Soot Staining
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'Rat-Hole' Wound
'Rat-Hole' Wound
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Scalloping
Scalloping
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Powder Tattooing
Powder Tattooing
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Non-Fired Muzzle Outline
Non-Fired Muzzle Outline
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Trace Evidence Collection
Trace Evidence Collection
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Ballistic Injuries
Ballistic Injuries
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Pressure Required for Tissue Damage
Pressure Required for Tissue Damage
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Post Mortem Exhibit Recovery
Post Mortem Exhibit Recovery
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Primary Blast Injuries
Primary Blast Injuries
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Secondary Blast Injuries
Secondary Blast Injuries
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Tertiary Blast Injuries
Tertiary Blast Injuries
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Quaternary Blast Injuries
Quaternary Blast Injuries
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Ballistics Examination
Ballistics Examination
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Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Pathologist
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Autopsy Documentation
Autopsy Documentation
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Gunshot Wounds
Gunshot Wounds
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Cavitation Effect
Cavitation Effect
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Warren Commission
Warren Commission
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House Select Committee on Assassinations
House Select Committee on Assassinations
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Confusion in Wounds
Confusion in Wounds
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Forensic Identification Team
Forensic Identification Team
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Primary Identification Criteria
Primary Identification Criteria
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Secondary Identification Criteria
Secondary Identification Criteria
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DNA Profiling
DNA Profiling
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Fingerprint Specificity
Fingerprint Specificity
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Forensic Odontology
Forensic Odontology
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Facial Profiling
Facial Profiling
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Age Estimation
Age Estimation
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Study Notes
Ballistic Injuries
- Unlawful use of firearms is increasing, readily available in many jurisdictions, regardless of possession laws
- Firearm injuries can be deliberate or accidental (e.g., hunting accidents)
- Firearm types include lethal barreled weapons, prohibited weapons (as per 1968 Firearms Act) and components/accessories designed to reduce the noise or flash
- Lethality is a legally determined issue for specific weapons
- Two main firearm types exist: smooth-bore (using pellets/shot) and rifled-bore (single projectiles/bullets). Airguns/air rifles use compressed gas
- Modern propellants (nitrocellulose, synthetic compounds) produce the gases propelling projectiles
- Muzzle velocity (speed of projectile exit) varies by weapon type (shotgun to military); energy is proportionate
- Shotguns are long-barreled, smooth-bore weapons using shot cartridges (single or double barrels)
- Rifled firearms (handguns, rifles) are long-barreled weapons for firing projectiles at targets over distance
- Revolvers use rotating cylinders and pistols use magazines. Rifle cartridges have a higher case to bullet ratio and larger propellant load
Firearms Injuries
- Injuries include smoke, flames, combustion gases, projectiles, propellant fragments, wadding
Evidence Recovery
- Forensic recovery examines projectile trajectory, range-of-fire, bullet/cartridge comparisons
- Firearm residue, shot patterns, smoke/powder-soiling are used for investigation
Injuries From Smooth-Bore Guns
- Pellets are propelled by gases from detonation, expanding at increasing distances from the muzzle
- Shot patterns are conical and expand as the shot travels from the muzzle to the target
- The closer the muzzle to the target the more concentrated the entry wound
- Contact wounds (when gun presses against skin) are circular. Smoke soiling and abrasion may be present
- Intermediate range (20-100cm): Smoke soiling/burning may occur with a central hole surrounded by pellet damage.
- Long range (> 1m) shows spread of shot, central hole decreases
Injuries From Rifled Weapons
- Bullets cause entry and exit wounds, sometimes retained in the body
- Muzzle velocity affects wound severity, and is related to both the mass/velocity of projectile and the trajectory, along with construction of the body tissues
Mass Disasters
- Mass disasters (natural or criminal) need triage to prioritize patients' needs
- Triage uses colours (Red for immediate, Yellow for delayed, Green for minor) for rapid classification
- Triage should respect individual medical needs, not other criteria
- Forensic recovery requires proper documentation, recording and preservation of evidence
Air Weapons/Unusual Projectiles
- Airguns/air rifles use compressed air to propel projectiles
- Injuries vary by design but entry wounds resembling bullet wounds usually do not exit the body
- Non-standard firearms use a variety of mechanisms for the discharge of projectiles
Miscellaneous Firearms and Weapons
- Kinetic Energy Devices (KEDs) are impact devices intended to deter, not cause serious harm
- KED impacts should target less vulnerable areas
- Various projectiles are used from KEDs
- Stud guns, humane killers, bows/crossbows also cause injury with varying severity and characteristics
Determination of Accident, Suicide, or Murder
- Forensic investigation focuses on factors such as timing, weapon access, location of wounds, and weapon location in determining nature
- Identifying intent can be challenging given the various factors involved, considering the nature of injuries and the circumstances
Identification of the Living and the Dead
- Identifying the deceased requires consideration of multiple factors
- Age estimation in the living is important for legal and safety processes
- DNA profiling, dentition (teeth), fingerprints, morphological characteristics, tattoos/piercings are all helpful for identification.
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Description
This quiz explores the characteristics of gunshot wounds, including distinctions between close-range and distant wounds, the impact of firearm type, and the various physical manifestations of such injuries. Test your knowledge on the defining features of entrance and exit wounds, as well as the terminology used in forensic ballistics.