<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<bold>Introduction</bold>: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due to the compression of air in a sealed chamber. These types of weapons belong to the category of non-lethal weapons and ammunition subject to authorization. However, accidental fatal cases, suicides or even deaths with intention attributed to these types of weapons are described in the literature.
<bold>Case presentation</bold>: We are discussing the case of a 5-year-old boy who, at a picnic with several families, is shot and killed with a compressed air rifle, left unattended. The medical crew arrived at the scene could not save the boy’s life. Necroptic examination revealed a gunshot wound through the heart, with the projectile stuck in the lateral-internal wall of the right ventricle. The projectile identified was a metal type projectile (lead), with a length of 8.5 mm and a diameter of 4.5 mm.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: Compressed air weapons, although considered non-lethal, have proven over time their extremely dangerous potential through the fatal injuries produced. Raising public awareness, limiting use and enforcing strict legislation could prevent tragic events.
</abstract>

Introduction: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due to the compression of air in a sealed chamber. These types of weapons belong to the category of non-lethal weapons and ammunition subject to authorization. However, accidental fatal cases, suicides or even deaths with intention attributed to these types of weapons are described in the literature.
Case presentation: We are discussing the case of a 5-year-old boy who, at a picnic with several families, is shot and killed with a compressed air rifle, left unattended. The medical crew arrived at the scene could not save the boy’s life. Necroptic examination revealed a gunshot wound through the heart, with the projectile stuck in the lateral-internal wall of the right ventricle. The projectile identified was a metal type projectile (lead), with a length of 8.5 mm and a diameter of 4.5 mm.
Conclusions: Compressed air weapons, although considered non-lethal, have proven over time their extremely dangerous potential through the fatal injuries produced. Raising public awareness, limiting use and enforcing strict legislation could prevent tragic events.

Air guns: An underestimated danger - case presentation, literature review and legal interpretation

Acta Marisiensis - Seria Medica

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Introduction: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due to the compression of air in a sealed chamber. These types of...

Air guns: An underestimated danger - case presentation, literature review and legal interpretation

Published Online: Mar 29, 2023

Page range: 68 - 70

Received: Nov 11, 2022

Accepted: Mar 02, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2023-0013

Keywords
air gun, fatal heart injury, forensics

© 2023 Cosmin Carasca et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Air guns: An underestimated danger - case presentation, literature review and legal interpretation

Published Online: Mar 29, 2023

Page range: 68 - 70

Received: Nov 11, 2022

Accepted: Mar 02, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2023-0013

Keywordsair gun, fatal heart injury, forensics

© 2023 Cosmin Carasca et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
air gun, fatal heart injury, forensics