What Does it Actually Feel Like to be Shot (Compilation)

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Gunshot Wounds - Physical Experience and Survival

Initial Impact and Pain Response
- Most survivors don't feel pain initially - bullet impact feels like small pebble or pressure
- Brain dumps adrenaline causing increased blood pressure, heart rate, expanded airways
- Body goes into survival mode, can function even when mortally wounded
- Pain perception varies by bullet size - larger bullets create larger holes, more pain
- Smaller bullets (9mm) cause less immediate pain than large fragmenting bullets
Burning Sensation Development
- Universal burning sensation starts after initial shock wears off
- Described as never-ending bee sting, hot iron poker, raw blister pain
- Burning radiates outward from entry point
- Numbness sweeps across body initially, then replaced by burning
Location-Specific Experiences
- Head shots: 42% survival rate overall, only 5% survive brain penetration
  - Intense headache and constant ringing in ears
  - Front head shots more survivable than side shots
  - Ringing described as unique loud sound, buzzing, or bell
- Leg/arm shots: Can be fatal if hitting femoral or brachial arteries
- Stomach shots: Very survivable with quick medical attention, described as hot poker sensation
Recovery Process
- Surgery and recovery often more painful than initial gunshot
- Healing takes months with constant pain
- Psychological trauma and PTSD common long-term effects
- Some bullets left in body if removal too risky

Bullet Velocities and Energy
- 9mm: 900 mph, 542 joules energy
- 5.56mm: 2,450 mph, 1,763 joules energy
- 7.62mm: 1,841 mph, 3,525 joules energy
- Higher velocity creates shock waves causing tissue expansion and cavity formation
Bullet Behavior in Body
- Bullets fragment when hitting bone due to high velocity
- Fragments explode outward causing additional damage
- Intact bullets can bounce around inside body cavity
- Shock wave damage can affect organs not directly hit

Immediate First Aid
- Apply immediate pressure to wound site
- Use any absorbent material (even dirty rags better than bleeding out)
- Never remove bandaging once applied - tears open forming clots
- Elevate wounded limb above heart if possible
- Check for exit wounds - adrenaline can mask secondary injuries
Tourniquet Application (Last Resort)
- Use stick and shirt strip above wound but before torso
- Tighten until all blood flow stops
- Will likely result in limb loss but saves life
- Better to lose limb than bleed out
Medical Response
- "Golden hour" - surgical treatment within 1 hour greatly improves survival
- Don't attempt to remove bullets - causes more damage
- Modern medicine makes even grievous wounds survivable with prompt care

Larry Flynt Shooting (1978)
- Shot by racist killer Joseph Paul Franklin
- Bullet hit spine at third lumbar vertebra
- 50% chance of walking again (never did)
- Chronic pain led to painkiller addiction
- Later stroke from overdose caused speech difficulties
Jacob Miller Civil War Survival
- Shot through forehead at Battle of Chickamauga (1863)
- Survived 22,000 ft fall from damaged bomber
- Left eye displaced, had to manually reposition
- Walked miles to safety despite head wound
- Bullet removed 9 months later by local doctors

Car Crashes: Wear seatbelts properly, sit upright, avoid tensing on impact
Stabbing: Direct to less vital areas if possible, don't remove impaling objects
Acid Attacks: Immediately flush with water, remove contaminated clothing
Home Invasions: Create hard targets, have escape plans, shotguns recommended over rifles
Nuclear Attacks: Duck and cover, seek shelter, wait 12-24 hours before moving
Kidnapping: Note everything, create rapport with captors, humanize yourself
Prison Survival: Keep head down, don't act tough, join programs, respect others
Extreme Temperatures: Gradual acclimatization, proper hydration for heat
Animal Attacks: Stay calm, protect vital areas, fight back if necessary

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