The term ballistic trauma (generally referred to by the type of weapon, such as gunshot wound, etc.) refers to a form of physical trauma sustained from the discharge of arms or munitions. The most common forms of ballistic trauma stems from small arms fire, namely semi-automatic pistols, machine guns, submachine guns, and assault rifles used in armed conflicts, civilian sporting and recreational pursuits, and criminal activity.
In terms of public...
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The term ballistic trauma (generally referred to by the type of weapon, such as gunshot wound, etc.) refers to a form of physical trauma sustained from the discharge of arms or munitions. The most common forms of ballistic trauma stems from small arms fire, namely semi-automatic pistols, machine guns, submachine guns, and assault rifles used in armed conflicts, civilian sporting and recreational pursuits, and criminal activity.
In terms of public health, it is estimated that over 500,000 injuries are sustained annually from the use of firearms; 300,000 or more relating to those occurring in situations of armed conflict, with the remainder of 200,000 or more being sustained in non-conflict situations. According to reports from the World Health Organization in 2001, these injuries represent roughly a quarter of the estimated 2.3 million deaths from violence; 42 percent being suicides, 38 percent homicides, and 26 percent related to war and armed conflict.
Although there are several...
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