Plastic bullet injuries in Northern Ireland: Experiences during a week of civil disturbance

Background: Plastic bullets were introduced to Northern Ireland for riot-co ntrol purposes in 1973, Their use has been controversial, with a number of fatalities. In the week beginning July 7, 1996, some 8,000 plastic bullets were fired during widespread rioting. Methods: Details of injuries attributed to plastic bullets were obtained re trospectively from patient notes for the period July 8 to 14, 1996, in six hospitals, A total of 172 Injuries in 155 patients were recorded. Results: Nineteen percent of injuries were to the face/head/neck, 20% were to the chest or abdomen, and 61% were to the limbs. Abbreviated Injury Scal e scores ranged from 1 to 3, Forty-two patients were admitted for hospitali zation, three to intensive care units. No fatalities occurred. Conclusion: Plastic bullet impact to the abdomen or above may cause life-th reatening injuries. Below this site, major trauma is unlikely.