Wound Analysis Flashcards
Two major classifications of wounds
Open wounds
Closed wounds
How are open wounds classified?
By how they are made
How are closed wounds classified?
By the type of damage
Contusion
Closed wound; caused by a blunt force trauma that damages tissue under the skin
Hematoma
Closed wound; Caused by damage to a blood vessel that in turn causes blood to collect under the skin
Crush injury
Closed wound; Caused by a great or extreme amount of force applied to the tissue
Abrasion
Open wound; Superficial wound in which the topmost layer of the skin (epidermis) is scraped off typically in an irregular fashion
Laceration
Open wound; Tear-like wound down to the underlying tissue caused by a blunt force trauma to the flesh, deeper and more irregular than abrasions
Incisions
Open wound; Caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such as a knife, razor, or glass
Puncture
Open wound; Caused by an object puncturing the skin, such as a nail or needle
Penetration
Open wound; Caused by an object such as a knife or bullet entering and coming out of the skin
How to indicate type of knife by wound (5)
1 or 2 sided blade Blade dimensions Length Serrated or smooth Presence of a hilt
Gunshot wounds
Caused by a bullet or similar projectile driving into or through the body; most often stay in the body but can be through-and-through
What kind of bullet does a cop use? Why?
Hollow point; it delivers more energy to the point of contact and doesn’t typically exit the body
Bullets damage in three ways…
Laceration and crushing
Cavitation
Shock waves
Laceration and crushing by bullet
Direct impact; tumbles and fragments; yaw (angles away from the straight line)
Permanent cavity
Hole made by the bullet
Temporary cavity
Caused by the rupture of cells by a vacuum
Shock Waves
Hydraulic shock caused by the energy and force of the bullet
Entrance wound shape
Smaller, oval or circular, abrasion collar, tattooing
Exit wound shape
Larger, more jagged
Two types of gun shot residue
GSR on the victim/victim’s clothing
GSR on the shooter’s hand
Gun shot residue components
Smoke, soot, nitrates, gunpowder particles that didn’t burn, and debris
Contact gunshot wounds
When the muzzle is in contact with the skin
