Rescue of a Child with Fatal Cardiothoracic Injuries from an Air Gun: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Mortalities resulting from firearms to the chest are still common worldwide. Although relatively uncommon compared to other age groups, gunshots that occur in children are fatal catastrophic events especially those that penetrate the thoracic cage. Air guns (pellets) are less devastating than conventional fatal firearms, but they can be fatal particularly in children. Case presentation: We present successful management for a child presented with major cardiothoracic injuries caused by an air gunshot (pellet) that penetrated the chest and passed through the heart and lung to the posterior mediastinum. Conclusions: The young age and penetration into the thoracic cage could make air guns as lethal as conventional firearms.