What is a contact gunshot wound?

A contact gunshot wound refers to a close-contact entry wound, meaning that the muzzle of the firearm was in direct contact or very close to the skin at the time of the discharge. This type of wound typically exhibits specific characteristics such as a large, irregular entry hole, and the surrounding tissue may show signs of burning, charring, or tattooing due to the hot gases and debris expelled from the firearm upon firing.

This is in sharp contrast to distant gunshot wounds where the bullet travels through the air before hitting the body, typically displaying different wound characteristics. Similarly, a ricochet wound and a grazing wound do not fit the definition of a contact gunshot wound as they occur under different circumstances and result in distinct wound patterns. Understanding these classifications is crucial for forensic analysis and medical response in investigating gunshot injuries.