Objective:

To raise awareness of the risks posed by this type of weaponry and the need for its regulation.

Case report:

During a gathering of adolescents in a rural area, one of them fired a compressed air rifle he owned from a distance of 25 meters. One of the projectiles struck one of the young individuals, penetrating the thorax and causing hemopneumothorax, followed by cardiopulmonary arrest, irreversible brain damage, and death 35 days later. During the autopsy, a 5.5 mm diameter, 0.84-gram lead projectile was recovered, adhered to the left ventricle.

Discussion:

International literature reports cases and series where this type of weapon caused serious injuries and deaths, including penetrating chest trauma. There is a mistaken underestimation of the risks posed by so-called “less-lethal weapons,” especially compressed air guns. While this issue is a global concern, in Uruguay and other countries, these weapons are considered sporting or recreational and are freely sold.

Conclusions:

1) Emergency and forensic physicians must consider the potential for compressed air weapon projectiles to damage vital organs. 2) It is essential to debunk the misconception that this type of weapon is harmless to humans. 3) Public authorities should regulate the sale, possession, and use of these weapons and implement awareness campaigns as part of primary prevention.

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