@article{ref1,
title="Once again: risk of injury caused by blank pistols",
journal="Archiv für Kriminologie",
year="2001",
author="Puschel, K. and Kulle, K. J. and Koops, E.",
volume="207",
number="1-2",
pages="26-32",
abstract="The nature and extent of the use of blank pistols in Hamburg (according to the Hamburg crime statistics about 300 to 400 such cases per year; 34 cases involving head and neck wounds from 1989 to 1999 were investigated at our institute; among these 8 suicides, no homicide) as well as patterns of injuries caused by close distance blank pistol shots were analysed. 7 of these cases are described in detail. The results of our studies corroborate the warning statements made by many criminological and medico-legal experts regarding the danger inherent in these allegedly harmless weapons. Blank cartridge pistols can, when shot from a close distance, cause most severe injuries involving penetration into body cavities and bodily organs (especially in the head and neck), and even perforation of the skull. Therefore, we call for a much stricter control of weapons of this kind.",
language="",
issn="0003-9225",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}