Wound Analysis

Question 1

Two major classifications of wounds

Answer 1

Open wounds

Closed wounds

Question 2

How are open wounds classified?

Answer 2

By how they are made

Question 3

How are closed wounds classified?

Answer 3

By the type of damage

Question 4

Contusion

Answer 4

Closed wound; caused by a blunt force trauma that damages tissue under the skin

Question 5

Hematoma

Answer 5

Closed wound; Caused by damage to a blood vessel that in turn causes blood to collect under the skin

Question 6

Crush injury

Answer 6

Closed wound; Caused by a great or extreme amount of force applied to the tissue

Question 7

Abrasion

Answer 7

Open wound; Superficial wound in which the topmost layer of the skin (epidermis) is scraped off typically in an irregular fashion

Question 8

Laceration

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Incisions

Answer 9

Open wound; Caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such as a knife, razor, or glass

Question 10

Puncture

Answer 10

Open wound; Caused by an object puncturing the skin, such as a nail or needle

Question 11

Penetration

Answer 11

Open wound; Caused by an object such as a knife or bullet entering and coming out of the skin

Question 12

How to indicate type of knife by wound (5)

Answer 12

1 or 2 sided blade
Blade dimensions
Length
Serrated or smooth
Presence of a hilt

Question 13

Gunshot wounds

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What kind of bullet does a cop use? Why?

Answer 14

Hollow point; it delivers more energy to the point of contact and doesn’t typically exit the body

Question 15

Bullets damage in three ways…

Answer 15

Laceration and crushing
Cavitation
Shock waves

Question 16

Laceration and crushing by bullet

Answer 16

Direct impact; tumbles and fragments; yaw (angles away from the straight line)

Question 17

Permanent cavity

Answer 17

Hole made by the bullet

Question 18

Temporary cavity

Answer 18

Caused by the rupture of cells by a vacuum

Question 19

Shock Waves

Answer 19

Hydraulic shock caused by the energy and force of the bullet

Question 20

Entrance wound shape

Answer 20

Smaller, oval or circular, abrasion collar, tattooing

Question 21

Exit wound shape

Answer 21

Larger, more jagged

Question 22

Two types of gun shot residue

Answer 22

GSR on the victim/victim’s clothing

GSR on the shooter’s hand

Question 23

Gun shot residue components

Answer 23

Smoke, soot, nitrates, gunpowder particles that didn’t burn, and debris

Question 24

Contact gunshot wounds

Answer 24

When the muzzle is in contact with the skin