Case Report

Chest injury while wearing a bullet-proof vest Abstract

Ballistic protective vests and garments have evolved into important life-saving measures for members of police forces and militaries. Although effectively reducing morbidity and mortality from projectile injuries, Significant injuries still do occur. We report a case demonstrating an example of the effects of transmitted forces through a protective vest resulting in a significant chest contusion.

A 19-year old presented to the emergency department, complaining of right-sided chest pain. He described being shot in the chest at close range while “testing” his father’s police “bullet proof vest” with a friend. He notes no shortness of breath, and his review of systems is negative.

These photographs (Figs. 1 and 2) demonstrate the significant forces transmitted through ballistic protective vests made for both civilian and military use. Although most Penetrating injuries that occur to the “protected areas” occur because of peripheral penetration that enters through uncovered areas, significant and even fatal injury by

Fig. 2 Chest ecchymosis, view 2.

transmitted or overwhelming force is not uncommon [1]. In this case, treatment consisted of pain control and educating the patient to not allow others to shoot him in the chest without protesting.

Fig. 1 Chest ecchymosis, view 1.

Michael A. Miller MD Emergency Medical Services Tripler Army Medical Center

Tripler, Hawaii E-mail address: [email protected]

Marc E. Levsky MD

Department of Emergency Medicine

C.R. Darnall Army Medical Center

Ft. Hood, Texas

doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2007.11.028

References

[1] Peleg K, Rivkind A, Aharonson-Daniel L, Israeli Trauma Group. Does body armor protect from firearm injuries? J Am Coll Surg 2006;202(4): 643-8.

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