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Original Articles
- Injuries from blank cartridge shots in suicide attempts within the South Korean military: a case series of five patients
- Jeong Il Joo, Changsin Lee, Kyungwon Lee
- J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):262-267. Published online December 4, 2024
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0037
- 7,222 View
- 74 Download
- 1 Citations
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Abstract
PDF - Purpose
Blank cartridges are designed to produce the sound and gas flare of a gunshot without firing a bullet. However, blank cartridge shots (BCS) can still cause injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Within the South Korean military, most BCS-related injuries have occurred during suicide attempts. This study documents a case series of patients who sustained injuries from BCS during such attempts.
Methods
We examined the medical records of Korean soldiers at a military trauma center between April 2022 and April 2024 who had sustained injuries from BCS during suicide attempts. The analyzed data included general characteristics, injury site, surgical and psychiatric interventions, and length of hospitalization.
Results
The case series included five patients between 19 and 20 years old (mean age, 19.6±0.55 years). Four of these patients sustained self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the submandibular area, while one targeted the right temporal area. Although initial vital signs and laboratory findings were unremarkable, computed tomography scans revealed injuries from projectile gas and gunpowder, including burns, subcutaneous emphysema, and major structural damage. Cases 1 and 2 required emergency surgery for foreign body removal and debridement. The average length of hospitalization was 35.2±12.11 days. Patients were first admitted to the trauma surgery department for BCS injury management, and then transferred to the psychiatry department for emotional support. The average stay was 15.6±15.87 days in trauma surgery and 19.6±14.99 days in psychiatry.
Conclusions
This study highlights the consequences of BCS from suicide attempts in the South Korean military and provides valuable insights for medical personnel who may encounter patients with BCS injuries. -
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Penetrating chest injury caused by a rubber bullet in a Republic of Korea Army soldier: a case report
Chansin Lee, Kyungwon Lee
Journal of Acute Care Surgery.2025; 15(3): 164. CrossRef
- Perceptions regarding the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with severe trauma in Korea: a survey of trauma specialists
- Shin Ae Lee, Yeon Jin Joo, Ye Rim Chang
- J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(4):322-328. Published online December 1, 2023
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0045
- 5,528 View
- 83 Download
- 2 Web of Science
- 2 Citations
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material - Purpose
Patients with multiple trauma necessitate assistance from a wide range of departments and professions for their successful reintegration into society. Historically, the primary focus of trauma treatment in Korea has been on reducing mortality rates. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the current state of multidisciplinary treatment for patients with severe trauma in Korea. Based on the insights of trauma specialists (i.e., medical professionals), we aim to suggest potential improvements.
Methods
An online questionnaire was conducted among 871 surgical specialists who were members of the Korean Society of Traumatology. The questionnaire covered participant demographics, current multidisciplinary practices, perceived challenges in collaboration with rehabilitation, psychiatry, and anesthesiology departments, and the perceived necessity for multidisciplinary treatment.
Results
Out of the 41 hospitals with which participants were affiliated, only nine conducted multidisciplinary meetings or rounds with nonsurgical departments. The process of transferring patients to rehabilitation facilities was not widespread, and delays in these transfers were frequently observed. Financial constraints were identified by the respondents as a significant barrier to multidisciplinary collaboration. Despite these hurdles, the majority of respondents acknowledged the importance of multidisciplinary treatment, especially in relation to rehabilitation, psychiatry, and anesthesiology involvement.
Conclusions
This survey showed that medical staff specializing in trauma care perceive several issues stemming from the absence of a multidisciplinary system for patient-centered care in Korea. There is a need to develop an effective multidisciplinary treatment system to facilitate the recovery of trauma patients. -
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by- Successful treatment of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning complicated by intestinal necrosis with exploratory laparotomy: a case report
Shuhong Wang, Lili Shi, Yin Tian, Jin Wu, Xiangui Zhou, Ruilie Wang, Yuanlan Lu, Anyong Yu
Open Medicine.2026;[Epub] CrossRef - The last chain of trauma survival: development of a scale for trauma-rehabilitation linkage in South Korea using a systematic review and expert consensus
Shin Ae Lee, Yeon Jin Joo, Sam Yeol Chang, Jae-Woo Cho, Se-Woong Chun, Junsik Kwon, Hyun-Ho Kong, Kyung-Hag Lee, Gil Jae Lee, Goo Joo Lee, Ye Rim Chang
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research.2024; 107(5): 274. CrossRef
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