BB guns are air guns, not traditional firearms, that use compressed air or a spring mechanism to launch small, metallic spherical projectiles called BBs. These projectiles are typically 4.5 mm (0.177 in) steel balls, often plated with zinc or copper. Despite often being marketed as toys, the impact of a BB can range from a minor sting to a severe, life-altering injury, depending on several factors.
Variables Influencing Impact Severity
The severity of a BB strike is governed by the kinetic energy delivered to the body, which is a function of the projectile’s speed and mass. Muzzle velocity is a primary factor, with many guns launching BBs over 390 feet per second (ft/s). Due to the BB’s small mass, its velocity and energy drop off rapidly over distance.
A projectile traveling at 150 ft/s can penetrate bare skin, and 200 ft/s can potentially fracture bone. While powerful air guns can reach speeds of 900 ft/s, the effective penetrating range is often limited to about 60 feet. The location on the body also plays a significant role, as areas with thin skin and underlying organs are far more vulnerable than areas with thick muscle or fat.
Superficial Injuries and Skin Penetration
The most common outcomes of a BB impact are superficial injuries. A strike with insufficient energy to break the skin typically results in a contusion (bruising), caused by damaged blood vessels under the surface. Abrasions (scrapes) can occur if the BB grazes the skin at an angle.
If the BB delivers enough energy, it will break the skin barrier, creating a puncture wound. This breach can lead to a localized hematoma (a collection of blood), resulting in a noticeable lump. Skin penetration is a threshold event, and the required kinetic energy varies depending on the body location.
In many cases, the BB will embed just beneath the skin in the subcutaneous tissue, creating a foreign body. While steel BBs are generally not toxic, an embedded projectile introduces a high risk of infection. The presence of an embedded BB requires professional medical assessment to determine if removal is necessary, especially due to the possibility of infection or migration.
Critical Injuries and Organ Damage
BB guns are capable of inflicting severe injuries, particularly when striking a vulnerable area. Ocular trauma is a devastating outcome, as the eye is easily penetrated by a BB, even at lower velocities. A BB impact can cause serious eye injuries, including corneal abrasion, hyphema, retinal detachment, or globe rupture, often leading to permanent vision loss or blindness.
Penetration into the chest or abdomen carries the risk of life-threatening internal injury. A BB striking the chest can cause a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) if it breaches the lung tissue. Abdominal impacts can perforate vital organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, or pancreas, requiring immediate surgical intervention to repair damage and prevent internal bleeding or sepsis.
An impact to the head, while rarely fully penetrating the skull, can still cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury, especially in children. A BB that enters near a major joint or large blood vessel can cause functional loss or significant vascular injury. Any penetrating wound to the torso or head should be treated as a medical emergency.
Immediate First Aid and Medical Response
The first step following any BB impact is assessing the injury’s severity. For a minor surface contusion or abrasion where the skin is not broken, cleaning the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress to reduce swelling is usually sufficient. If the skin is broken but the wound is minor, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to control bleeding.
It is crucial to call emergency services immediately if the injury involves the eye, head, neck, chest, or abdomen, or if there is heavy, uncontrollable bleeding. Never attempt to remove an embedded BB from a deep wound, especially if it is near the eye, a major blood vessel, or a joint. Amateur removal can cause further damage or push the projectile deeper into the tissue.
Once bleeding is controlled, cover the wound with a clean bandage and seek professional medical attention for any penetrating injury. Medical personnel can properly clean the wound, assess for internal damage using imaging like X-rays, and manage the risk of infection. Internal injury cannot be ruled out without a thorough medical examination, even if the wound appears minor.