What does an AR-15 bullet do to the human body?

What Does an AR-15 Bullet Do to the Human Body?

The AR-15, a popular semi-automatic rifle, is designed to fire a wide range of ammunition, including 5.56x45mm NATO and.223 Remington cartridges. When an AR-15 bullet hits a human target, it can cause severe injuries and even death. In this article, we will explore the effects of an AR-15 bullet on the human body.

Immediate Effects

When an AR-15 bullet hits a person, it can cause immediate and catastrophic damage. The bullet’s velocity and kinetic energy can tear through soft tissue, bone, and other internal organs, leading to severe bleeding, organ damage, and even death.

Tissue Damage

The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge used in the AR-15 has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,700 feet per second (fps) and a kinetic energy of around 1,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). When this bullet hits a person, it can cause:

• Severe lacerations: The bullet’s velocity and kinetic energy can create deep, jagged wounds that can extend several inches.
• Internal damage: The bullet can penetrate and damage internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines.
• Vascular damage: The bullet can damage major blood vessels, leading to severe bleeding and hemorrhaging.

Organ Damage

The AR-15 bullet can cause significant damage to internal organs, including:

• Brain damage: A bullet to the head can cause severe trauma to the brain, leading to concussion, hemorrhaging, and even death.
• Spinal cord damage: A bullet to the spine can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or even death.
• Thoracic damage: A bullet to the chest can cause damage to the lungs, heart, and other vital organs.

Immediate Mortality

The severity of the injuries caused by an AR-15 bullet can be life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is often necessary to prevent death. According to the American College of Surgeons, the mortality rate for gunshot wounds is significantly higher when:

• Multiple shots are fired: The mortality rate increases by 10-20% with each additional shot.
• The bullet is not stopped by a vital organ: The mortality rate increases by 50-70% if the bullet does not stop in a vital organ.

Delayed Effects

In addition to the immediate effects of an AR-15 bullet, there are also delayed effects that can occur hours, days, or even weeks after the injury. These effects include:

• Blood clots: Blood clots can form at the wound site, which can lead to further bleeding, organ damage, and even death.
• Infection: Bacterial infections can develop at the wound site, leading to sepsis, organ failure, and even death.
• Shock: Sepsis and blood loss can cause hypovolemic shock, which can lead to organ failure and death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an AR-15 bullet can cause severe and potentially life-threatening injuries to the human body. The bullet’s velocity and kinetic energy can tear through soft tissue, bone, and internal organs, leading to severe bleeding, organ damage, and even death. Immediate medical attention is often necessary to prevent death and minimize the severity of the injuries. It is essential to understand the effects of an AR-15 bullet on the human body to provide effective medical treatment and prevent unnecessary loss of life.

Table: Comparison of AR-15 Bullet Effects

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used to promote or glorify violence.