Low-velocity gunshot wounds in police officers

One hundred forty-five Philadelphia police officers were injured as a result of gunfire during the period from January 1971 to February 1983. Arrests and arrest attempts were the most common causes of these injuries; on- and off-duty accidents were the second most common causes. Twenty fatalities occurred among the 145 officers. Specific medical and surgical management of gunshot wounds depended largely on the location of the wound and the extent of the damage. Analyses of the location of the wounds in this study revealed that many could have been alleviated through the use of body armor, such as bullet-proof vests and lightweight helmets. Of the treatment records of 100 patients completed for evaluation, average hospitalization time was ten days, time without duty averaged 143 days, and limited duty averaged 70 days. Twenty-two persons received permanent and partial disabilities related either partially or wholly to their wounds. Fourteen individuals expressed anxiety about returning to work as police officers, and two received disability retirements for emotional instability. An officer who is aware of the probability of injury while performing a specific task can decide whether to wear an armored helmet or bullet-proof vest at the appropriate time. In the treatment of low-velocity gunfire injury, the physician could use the guidelines reviewed for specific treatment of the injury and thus anticipate the length of time or probability of the individual returning to work. Early recognition of these factors could help to avoid psychologic trauma.