TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2001//
TI  - Once again: risk of injury caused by blank pistols
JO  - Archiv für Kriminologie
A1  - Puschel, K.
A1  - Kulle, K. J.
A1  - Koops, E.
SP  - 26
EP  - 32
VL  - 207
IS  - 1-2
N2  - 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.
LA  - 
SN  - 0003-9225
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -