A BB gun is a type of air gun that propels small, metallic spherical projectiles, commonly referred to as BBs. These projectiles are typically 4.5 mm in diameter, made of steel, and often coated with copper or zinc for corrosion resistance. While often perceived as harmless recreational devices, the compressed air or gas mechanism provides enough force to pose a significant risk of injury, causing approximately 30,000 injuries treated in United States emergency departments annually.
Immediate Physical Impact
The immediate effect of a BB strike on the body is determined by the projectile’s kinetic energy upon impact. Many BB guns are capable of firing at speeds up to 550 feet per second (ft/s), far exceeding the velocity needed to break the skin barrier. Human skin can be punctured by a small projectile traveling at just 150 ft/s, which means even lower-powered models can cause a penetration wound at close range.
If the BB does not penetrate, the energy transfer causes a painful contusion or deep bruise. However, if the velocity is sufficient, the BB creates a small, circular puncture wound upon entry. This wound may appear deceptively minor from the outside, with little external bleeding, yet the projectile may have traveled deep into the tissue. A velocity of 200 ft/s has the potential to fracture bone, illustrating the significant force involved in the impact.
The projectile pushes a small plug of skin and surface contaminants into the tissue tract, creating a risk for infection. Since the BB is not designed to expand or fragment like a conventional bullet, it typically creates a small, narrow wound channel. The depth of penetration depends on the muzzle velocity, the distance from the gun, and the thickness of the body area struck.
Essential Immediate Care
For any BB wound that has broken the skin, the first step is to control bleeding by applying direct, firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Once bleeding has stopped, the wound needs thorough cleaning to reduce the risk of infection. Wash the area gently with soap and clean water to remove any surface dirt or debris.
After cleaning, apply an antiseptic solution or an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the puncture site. The wound should then be covered with a sterile bandage to keep the area clean and protected. If the BB is visible just beneath the skin’s surface and can be easily removed without digging, it may be gently extracted using sterile tweezers.
Any puncture wound carries a risk of tetanus, so ensuring the injured person is up-to-date on their vaccination is important. Even if the injury appears superficial, any uncertainty about the depth of the wound or the presence of a retained BB necessitates medical consultation. Seeking professional advice helps ensure proper wound management and addresses the need for possible prophylactic antibiotics.
Recognizing Critical Injuries and Complications
A BB striking certain parts of the body requires immediate emergency medical attention. Injuries to the head, face, neck, chest, or abdomen are particularly dangerous because of underlying structures. The eye is especially vulnerable, as BBs and pellets account for a high percentage of perforating eye injuries in recreational settings. Penetrating injuries to the torso can damage internal organs, blood vessels, and the heart, even if the external wound is small.
In rare but documented cases, a BB that enters the circulatory system can travel through the bloodstream and become lodged in the heart, a condition known as projectile embolization. Signs of internal injury, such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or any change in neurological function, require an immediate call for emergency services.
A retained projectile, particularly if it is made of lead, can lead to lead toxicity, though this is less common with modern copper- or zinc-plated steel BBs. Any retained foreign body can become a source of chronic infection or abscess formation. If a BB is suspected to be deep within the tissue, medical imaging like an X-ray is necessary to determine its location and guide a decision on surgical removal.