How to improve medical care of injuries inflicted by less-lethal weapons depending on the damage and tactical characteristics
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Relevance. Scarcity of relevant statistics on injuries caused by less-lethal weapons (LLW, or traumatic weapons) is exacerbated by the so far neglected absence of research on the modalities and outcomes of medical care provided to the injured. Considering the LLW ballistics, conventional treatment approaches may show poor efficiency. The aim of the study is to develop and suggest a research-based substantiation for a set of measures aimed at improved medical care of LLW inflicted injuries with a focus on the damages and tactical characteristics. Methods. The study included 248 patients presented with LLW injuries at medical facilities of the Arkhangelsk region of Russia from 2006 to 2022; the studies documents included medical records and protocols. Injury circumstances, wound location, depth, severity, complications, and the scope of medical care were analyzed. Results and analysis. Most LLW inflicted injuries were presented in men (94.8 %) aged 18–39 years (82.7 %), including 1/3 (32.3 %) with concurrent intoxication. Most injuries were located in the limbs (42.3 %), followed by the chest (22.5 %) and abdominal area (14.1 %). A foreign body (projectile) was observed in every second wound (48.8 %), presumably causing suppuration (17.3 %) of deep wounds due to muscle layer displacement. Such parameters as wound location, severity, and associated complications were incorporated in the proposed LLW injury classification whereby LLW injuries were split into the following three categories: A for superficial injuries of the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue (47.5 %); B for deep wounds of the muscle layers (40.1 %); and C for penetrating wounds into body cavities (12.4 %). Wounds were categorized using ultrasound examination. To minimize the health consequences of LLW injuries, a patient triage algorithm was developed. Conclusion. The suggested of medical care management of LLW injuries may be incorporated into the 3-stage healthcare system implemented across the regions of Russia.
Institutions: Northern State Medical University, Syktyvkar State University
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127052097