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An analysis of wound statistics in relation to ballistic ballistic protection

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Abstract

This summarises summarises data on gunshot and fragmentation wounds (collectively called "missile wounds") drawn from journal articles available in the public domain. Wound location is discussed with respect to military body body armour (helmets and protective vests). The data is reviewed according to areas of past conflict (Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Northern Ireland, Lebanon and Croatia). It was found that helmets offered significant protection against fragments. This is important given that fragmentation wounds accounted for up to 90% of all missile injuries. The head should be considered to be a high priority area of protection, given that it received up to 7 times more wounds than would be expected given its size relative the the body. Also, in some conflicts, over 35% of wounds were to the upper-mid chest, supporting the idea that a bullet-resistant strip is needed in this area.

Executive Summary

This report summarises data on gunshot wounds and fragmentation wounds (collectively called "missile wounds") found in journal articles available in the public domain. The aim is to discuss wound location with respect to military personal body armour (helmets and protective vests) . The data presented here is divided into areas of past conflict (Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Northern Ireland, Lebanon and Croatia). The majority of deaths on the battlefield are caused by penetrating injuries. The use of body armour may reduce the percentage of lethal penetrating wounds. This data suggests that protective vests and helmets can stop small shrapnel and reduce the impact of large shrapnel but are incapable of preventing injury from high velocity bullets. There is a need to consider the head as a high priority area of protection. In Vietnam wounds to the head were more likely to be fatal than wounds to any other part of the body. In both Northern Ireland and Lebanon the head was very susceptible to wounding considering its relatively small size, receiving up to 7 times more wounds than would be expected given the size of the head. Fragmentation wounds accounted for 65-84% of all missile wounds in WW2, 68% in Korea and 50% in Vietnam. However, the combat helmet offers limited protection with almost a third of all wounds to the head struck below the level of the helmet. In Lebanon, that figure was higher, with three quarters of all head shots received in the face. One repeated finding was that helmets offered significant protection against fragmentation A helmet with increased protection on the front and less on the back would increase protective ability without significantly increasing weight. Despite the fact that the face had a very high hit ratio, protection of the face is difficult. A face visor with significant ballistic protection would be so thick as to present many problems to the user. A brim on the helmet is recommended to reduce injury from missiles coming from above. In some conflicts, over 35% of wounds were to the upper-mid chest, supporting the idea that a bullet-resistant strip is needed in this area.

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