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Gunshot damage to monoplace hyperbaric chamber acrylic
Lindell K Weaver1,2,3, Kayla Deru1,2, John Foley4
1Division of Hyperbaric Medicine Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah U.S.
Summary
Firearm testing shows monoplace hyperbaric chambers can withstand multiple handgun rounds and single rifle shots. A pressurized chamber breached by rifle fire rapidly depressurized but posed no explosion risk, with ricochet being the primary bystander threat.
Area of Science:
- Medical Device Safety
- Ballistics
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Healthcare workers face workplace violence, including active shooter events.
- The impact of firearms on monoplace hyperbaric chamber acrylic and associated risks is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the durability of monoplace hyperbaric chamber acrylic against firearm discharges.
- To determine if a breached, pressurized hyperbaric chamber poses additional threats to patients or bystanders.
Main Methods:
- Acrylic sections and a pressurized monoplace hyperbaric chamber (14.7 psig, >99% oxygen) were subjected to various firearm calibers (.22 handgun to 5.56 mm AR-15) at different distances and angles.
- Testing simulated firearm discharges in a controlled environment.
Main Results:
- Higher-caliber handguns required multiple shots to penetrate acrylic sections.
- Single shots from tested rifles caused full-thickness penetration and fracture of acrylic sections.
- The pressurized chamber required two AR-15 shots to penetrate, leading to rapid depressurization but no explosion or conflagration.
Conclusions:
- Intact and pressurized monoplace hyperbaric chambers exhibit different responses to firearm impacts compared to standalone acrylic.
- In an active shooter scenario, the tested pressurized chamber's primary risk to bystanders is ricochet, not explosion or additional projectile hazards.