Facial fractures caused by less-lethal rubber bullet weapons: case series report and literature review

Risks and regulation of rubber scattershot in Switzerland: a narrative review

Multiple kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs) are responsible for most eye injuries by crowd-control weapons. This review aims to outline an underreported, ongoing series of eye injuries by rubber scattershot in Switzerland, and to relate current knowledge about thresholds for lasting visual loss to the energy limits set on KIPs in crowd control, by way of a retrospective compilation of cases from publicly available records and a review of the pertinent literature. Scattershot can cause irreversible visual loss. Since 1980, there have been 36 known cases of eye injuries by rubber pellets in Switzerland. In 2023, the incidence was higher here than at the peak of protests in France. KIPs were originally cleared for use in crowd control at kinetic and area-normalised energies assumed to lie below the threshold for ocular penetration. However, closed globe injuries suffice to cause permanent visual loss. Lower energy thresholds for lasting damage have been confirmed by the newer literature on paintballs, airbags, air guns and toys. These values may differ in vivo versus in vitro, and in humans versus in animals. There is no clear consensus on how best to predict loss of vision. Underreporting the risks of crowd-control weapons may contribute to their prolonged and increasingly liberal use. Regulations should consider what is known on energy thresholds for permanent visual loss. It is critical for ophthalmologists to be involved in the evaluation and monitoring of eye injuries caused by projectiles, including KIPs and toys. An interdisciplinary approach could help to elucidate damage thresholds.

Lethal head ballistic trauma with a «nonlethal» projectile: A case report and review of the literature

Forensic investigations of cranioencephalic ballistic trauma involve several aspects, including the study of terminal ballistics. This includes the analysis of projectiles and the damage they cause. Although some projectiles are considered "non-lethal", serious injuries and deaths secondary to the use of this type of ammunition have been reported. We report the case of a 37-year-old man who died from ballistic head trauma after the use of "Gomm Cogne" ammunition. A post-mortem computed tomography (CT) showed a right temporal bone defect and seven foreign bodies. Three of these were located in the encephalic parenchyma, which showed diffuse hemorrhagic changes. External examination indicated that this was a contact entry wound and confirmed encephalic involvement. This case illustrates the potential lethality of this type of ammunition with CT and autopsy with similar features to single projectile firearm injuries.

Death and non-lethal weapons: A case of homicide by penetrating injury without projectile

Herein, we report the death of a man, approximately thirty years old, victim of a short-range shot to the thorax from a PIEXON JPX4, a hand weapon classed category D in France, said to be non-lethal. External examination of the lesion revealed characteristics similar to those of ballistic injuries. The autopsy found an intercostal wound that reached the pulmonary parenchyma and the pulmonary artery, with severe hemothorax. By the end of the autopsy, no projectile had been found in the body, nor any exit orifice. Death was caused by the effects of hemorrhagic shock. The PIEXON JPX4 has four cartridges, projecting a capsaicin gel that is designed to irritate the ENT area (ear nose throat) to incapacitate an assailant. The manufacturer recommends not to use it at distances of less than 1.5 m. Experimental shots were performed on gelatine blocks at point-blank range and at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 150 cm to evaluate the distance necessary for the jet of gel to have a penetrating effect. Shots at 5-30 cm penetrated the structure. None of the other shots were penetrating. The autopsy and experiment data therefore show the penetrating potential of the jet of gel. Herein, we report the first death due to use of the PIEXON JPX4. From a forensic investigation viewpoint, we add a new exception to the "bullet rule". (The odd and even bullet rule states that if the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit found in the body is even, the presumption is that no bullet is lodged in the body. If the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit is odd, the presumption is that one or more bullets have been lodged in the body.).