A WRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER
TRIGGER-WARNING: Vivid descriptions of death and dead bodies.
When writing realistic scenes with guns or firearms in general, it is very important to know what different types of calibers do to the body. Besides that, it is good to know what happens when you hit different parts of the body. This guide will provide writers with an easy to understand overview of how various injuries affect the body, creating a sense of authenticity and emotional impact in your stories.
Guns play a big role in many genres, from crime thrillers and action-packed adventures to intense dramas and suspenseful mysteries. However, the depiction of gunshot wounds often lacks accuracy, which can distract and take away from the believability of a story. I've had my share of moments where i was going down rabbit holes trying to figure out what was what and what did what to what part of the body, let alone how the blood splattered. But thanks to that, I am now a self-proclaimed expert on the topic, more than eager to talk about it. Because I am a nerd when it comes to deaths in stories. And I know how hard it is to find all information in one place.
Accuracy in depicting gunshot wounds serves multiple purposes:
Realism: Enhances the believability of the story.
Emotional Impact: Increases the emotional stakes for characters and readers.
Educational Value: Provides readers with a more informed understanding of these injuries.
INJURY ZONES
A Shot to the Neck
The Brainstem
The brainstem is a crucial part of the central nervous system, controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. A gunshot wound to the brainstem will result in instant death due to the immediate cessation of these essential functions.
Arteries
The neck houses several major blood vessels, including the carotid arteries and jugular veins. A bullet that severs one of these arteries can lead to rapid blood loss and death within 3-5 minutes. However, if the bullet misses these critical structures, survival is possible with prompt medical intervention.
Non-Lethal Hits
In some cases, a gunshot wound to the neck can be non-lethal if it does not damage any major blood vessels or vital structures. Nonetheless, such injuries can still be severe, causing significant pain, blood loss, and potential long-term complications.
Blood Splatter:
Arterial Spray: If an artery is hit, there is a vigorous spray of bright red blood, pulsing in rhythm with the heartbeat.
Minimal Splatter: If no major vessels are hit, the blood flow might be more subdued, trickling or streaming down the neck.
The T Zone
The "T Zone" refers to the area of the forehead between the eyes. A gunshot wound to this region is almost always fatal due to the proximity to the brain. The bullet typically penetrates the skull and destroys critical brain tissue, leading to instant death.
Blood Splatter:
Forward Splatter: A shot to the T Zone or mouth typically results in a dramatic forward spray of blood, brain matter, and bone fragments. The force of the bullet causes an explosive exit wound, projecting materials outward.
Back Splatter: If the shot is from close range, there may also be back splatter, where blood and tissue blow back toward the shooter.
Heart
Immediate Effects
A shot to the heart is almost invariably fatal. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, and a bullet that disrupts this function can cause immediate death. The cessation of blood flow results in a rapid loss of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.
Internal Bleeding
Even if the bullet does not directly destroy the heart, it can cause massive internal bleeding. The resulting hemorrhage can lead to death within minutes if not treated immediately. The impact of a heart shot is dramatic and often used in high-stakes scenarios to underscore the severity of the injury.
Blood Splatter:
External Bleeding: Typically, there is an initial burst of blood, followed by a continuous flow from the entry and exit wounds.
Internal Bleeding: Blood may also fill the chest cavity, causing coughing up of blood.
Lungs
Pneumothorax
A gunshot wound to the lungs can cause a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. This condition occurs when air escapes from the lung and fills the space between the lung and chest wall, making it difficult to breathe. Without prompt medical treatment, suffocation and death can occur within minutes to an hour.
Blood Loss
Lung injuries can also cause significant internal bleeding. The lungs are highly vascular organs, and a bullet can easily rupture blood vessels, leading to severe blood loss and shock. While not always immediately fatal, lung injuries are serious and often life-threatening without medical intervention.
Blood Splatter:
Minimal External Splatter: Usually, there’s less external blood, with internal bleeding leading to coughing up blood.
Potential Foamy Blood: Blood coughed up may be frothy if air is mixed with the blood.
Stomach
Pain and Complications
A gunshot wound to the stomach is extremely painful and can be fatal, though it usually takes longer to kill than injuries to more vital areas. The stomach contains numerous organs and blood vessels, and a bullet can cause extensive damage.
Internal Bleeding and Infection
Victims may die from internal bleeding, infection, or organ failure over the course of several hours to days if untreated. Peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity, is a common and deadly complication of abdominal gunshot wounds.
Blood Splatter:
Slow Bleed: Initial bleeding might be internal, with a slower, steadier external flow.
Pooling: Blood may pool around the victim rather than splattering dramatically.
Limbs
Major Arteries
Gunshot wounds to the arms or legs are generally not fatal unless a major artery is hit. The femoral artery in the leg and the brachial artery in the arm are two critical blood vessels that, if severed, can lead to rapid blood loss and death within a few minutes.
Survivable Injuries
Most gunshot wounds to the limbs are survivable with prompt medical care. However, they can still cause significant pain, disability, and long-term complications. The portrayal of limb injuries can add depth to a character's experience, show resilience or the impact of trauma.
Blood Splatter:
Arterial Hits: If a major artery is hit, expect a vigorous spray.
Non-Arterial Hits: Lesser bleeding, usually a flow rather than a spray.
Groin
Blood Vessels and Pain
A shot to the groin can sever major blood vessels, such as the femoral artery, leading to rapid blood loss and potential death within minutes. This area is also extremely sensitive, and injuries here are excruciatingly painful.
Reproductive Damage
Gunshot wounds to the groin can cause significant damage to the reproductive organs, adding another layer of consequence to such injuries in your writing.
Blood Splatter:
Severe Arterial Bleeding: Potential for a significant arterial spray.
Pooling: Blood may pool quickly due to the gravity and location.
Mouth (for Suicide)
Brainstem and Major Brain Structures
A shot through the mouth, often associated with suicide attempts, can result in instant death if the bullet penetrates the brainstem or a major part of the brain. The brainstem controls vital functions, and damage here is almost always fatal.
Risks of Survival
However, there is a risk of surviving with severe, disfiguring injuries if the shot does not cause immediate fatal damage. Survivors may suffer from extensive facial trauma, neurological damage, and long-term psychological effects.
Physical Reactions: Movement and Body Response
Immediate Reactions
When someone is shot, their body often reacts with sudden, involuntary movements. Depending on the location and severity of the shot, the victim's body might jerk or spasm upon impact. For example, a shot to the head or heart typically causes an immediate, violent convulsion of the limbs. Victims may stagger or collapse instantly, their movements abrupt and uncoordinated. The body's reaction can be dramatic, showcasing the shock of the trauma.
Falling Dynamics
The dynamics of how a victim falls after being shot can vary. Fatal shots, such as those to the head or heart, often cause an instant and uncontrolled drop to the ground, as if the body has lost all support. In contrast, non-lethal shots might lead to a slower, more deliberate collapse. The victim might sink to their knees or attempt to grasp at the wound before ultimately falling over. This gradual fall can convey a sense of lingering consciousness and struggle.
Muscle Reactions
Muscle reactions following a gunshot wound can include spasms and twitches, especially if the shot impacts the spine or brain. Neurological damage can cause involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in erratic and uncontrollable movements. Limbs might jerk unpredictably, and the body's final moments can be marked by these spasmodic actions which shows the reader the impact of the injury on the nervous system.
CALIBER
When writing about gunshot wounds, it's important to know how the size of the bullet, or caliber, affects the injury. The caliber of a firearm can make a big difference in the damage caused. Let's focus on the effects of a .35 caliber gunshot and compare it to other common calibers to make things clearer.
What is Caliber?
Caliber is the diameter of the bullet or the inside of the gun barrel, measured in inches or millimeters. For example, a .35 caliber bullet is 0.35 inches wide. Larger calibers generally cause more damage because they have more power and can penetrate deeper.
Effects of a .35 Caliber Gunshot
Kinetic Energy and Penetration
A .35 caliber bullet is moderate in size and power. When it hits, it can penetrate deeply into the body, damaging internal organs and tissues. The speed and energy of the bullet determine how much damage it does and how deep it goes. This caliber can cause serious injuries, but the specifics depend on the type of bullet and the distance from which it is fired.
Wound Characteristics
A .35 caliber bullet usually makes a noticeable entry wound, which is a clean, round hole. If the bullet exits the body, the exit wound is often larger and more irregular because the bullet tumbles and deforms as it travels through. Inside the body, the bullet can cause significant damage, such as rupturing organs, breaking bones, and causing severe bleeding.
Comparing with Other Calibers
Smaller Calibers (.22, .25)
Smaller calibers like .22 or .25 have less power and usually cause less damage. These bullets might not go as deep and can get stuck inside the body, causing damage in a smaller area. They can still be deadly, especially if they hit vital organs, but overall, they are less destructive than a .35 caliber.
Larger Calibers (.45, .50)
Larger calibers like .45 or .50 are much more powerful and cause more extensive damage. They create bigger entry and exit wounds and can result in severe internal injuries. The shockwave from these bullets can damage tissues and organs not directly hit by the bullet. These calibers are more likely to cause immediate incapacitation or death.
Practical Tips for Writing
When writing about a gunshot wound from a .35 caliber gun, consider these points to make your scene realistic:
Entry and Exit Wounds: Describe the clean entry wound and the potential larger, irregular exit wound.
Internal Damage: Mention possible internal damage, like organ rupture, broken bones, and significant blood loss.
Kinetic Impact: Highlight the moderate power of the bullet, which causes serious but not necessarily catastrophic damage.
Comparative Severity: If comparing with other calibers, emphasize that the .35 caliber is more damaging than smaller calibers but less so than larger ones.
The Angle and Distance and Why it Matters
The angle and distance at which a gunshot is fired can significantly impact both the lethality of the shot and the resulting blood splatter. Let's break down these factors.
Angle of the Shot
Impact on Lethality:
Direct (Perpendicular) Shots: A shot fired directly into the body (perpendicular to the surface) tends to be more lethal because the bullet is more likely to penetrate deeply and directly hit vital organs or structures. For example, a shot to the chest at a direct angle has a higher chance of striking the heart or lungs, leading to rapid blood loss or organ failure.
Angled Shots: When a shot is fired at an angle, the bullet's path through the body can be more complex. The bullet might ricochet off bones or take a more superficial path, potentially reducing its lethality. However, an angled shot can still be deadly, especially if it grazes or tears through vital organs.
Upward/Downward Shots: Shots fired from below (upward) or above (downward) can have different effects. An upward shot, especially to the torso or head, may penetrate deep into the body, hitting critical areas. Downward shots, such as from a height, can penetrate more deeply due to gravity, making them particularly dangerous.
Impact on Blood Splatter:
Direct Shots: Perpendicular shots often result in a more predictable and concentrated blood splatter. Blood tends to spray out from the entry wound, and if there's an exit wound, the spray can be more forceful.
Angled Shots: Blood splatter from angled shots can be less predictable. The angle can cause the blood to spray in a specific direction, often aligned with the bullet's exit path. The splatter might also be less forceful if the bullet exits at an angle, leading to a more spread-out or smeared pattern.
Upward/Downward Shots: Upward shots might cause blood to spray upwards, potentially resulting in a more vertical splatter pattern on nearby surfaces. Downward shots can cause blood to pool quickly on the ground or spray downward, depending on the entry and exit points.
Distance of the Shot
Impact on Lethality:
Close Range: At close range, a bullet has maximum kinetic energy and is more likely to cause severe damage. The bullet may penetrate deeply, causing extensive trauma to internal organs, and the likelihood of an exit wound is higher. Close-range shots are generally more lethal, especially when targeting vital areas like the head or chest.
Long Range: As distance increases, the bullet loses some of its kinetic energy, which can reduce its penetrating power. While long-range shots can still be deadly, particularly with high-velocity rounds, they are less likely to penetrate deeply or exit the body, depending on the firearm used and the bullet type.
Impact on Blood Splatter:
Close Range: Close-range shots often result in more dramatic blood splatter due to the bullet's high velocity and energy. The proximity can cause blood and tissue to be expelled forcefully, creating a more extensive and concentrated splatter pattern. If the shot is very close (within a few inches), you might also see "blowback" – where blood and tissue splatter back toward the shooter.
Long Range: Blood splatter from long-range shots tends to be less dramatic. The bullet may not cause as forceful an expulsion of blood and tissue, resulting in a more subdued or localized splatter. In some cases, especially with smaller calibers, the bullet may not even exit the body, reducing the potential for external blood splatter altogether.
Jake Zuurbier, born in 2002, is a writer with a broad background. With a degree in both Business and Management, his work in writing is combined with a business in books & home decor, sports clothing & gear and multiple forms of other output like music or meditations. He has worked jobs in retail and horeca, ranging from working kitchen in a hotel-restaurant to a floor manager position in a clothing store.
In his free time, he is just as occupied. Photography, weight lifting, kickboxing, cooking and reading are amongst his hobbies.
To learn more, or get in contact, visit www.apolloimperium.com/jakezuurbier
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