Influence of Personal Armor on Distribution of Entry Wounds: Lessons Learned from Urban-Setting Warfare Fatalities

摘要

Urban warfare in densely populated areas involves operational activities in challenging conditions. The fighting is characterized by infantry warfare with high-velocity bullets (e.g., bullets fired from M-16 or AK-47 rifles) and explosives-derived injuries. Often, there is a high level of friction between the operating units with civilians and opposition forces, leading to a large number of casualties1 to army forces. The majority of the fatalities in such conditions are caused by penetrating trauma.2 In most cases, these injuries are lethal, with an Injury Severity Score3 of 75; therefore, death is unavoidable even with the best medical treatment.2 This emphasizes the crucial importance of primary prevention of injury, which is composed of tactical elements and the shielding effect of military personal armor systems (MPAS).