Direct discharge occurs when the soldier is too close to the opponent. Indirect discharge injuries due to ejected cartridges can also occur. Intentional discharge can be suicidal. Accidental discharges often involve the hand, because soldiers habitually hold the weapon at the side with the hand over the blank adapter. The spectrum of injury types is broad.
Most injuries are due to direct discharge to the face, eye, or hand.
1 Thermal burns, powder burns, and corneal abrasions can occur. Intentional discharge to the head or neck can cause a high-energy wound with gas injection. Gas embolism and death have also been reported. The 9-mm handgun, a Beretta, is in common use in civilian and military settings. The thenar eminence of the hand covered the ejection port of the mock weapon when it discharged.