If current trends for this nation continue, by the year 2003 the number of people Killed by firearms will exceed the number of people killed in motor vehicle accidents. Critical care practitioners must understand the mechanism of injury associated with firearm injuries to provide optimal care. This article reviews internal, exterior, and terminal ballistics, bullet design, wound classification, and initial assessment and treatment of firearm injuries

©1995 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
1995
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