181 Dangers of Paintballing. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Finlay, Fiona; Laird, Lauren
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A433
• Page End: A433
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.703
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Paintballing has evolved since the 1970s when it was originally used by forest rangers and farmers to mark trees and cattle. It has now become an increasingly popular recreational sport, played by both children and adults. Following examination of a young person injured while playing paintball, a review of the literature was undertaken to understand the nature of injuries and make recommendations for paintballing safety. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of the Cochrane Library, PubMed including Medline and Eric databases. Results: 84 citations were screened; 30 articles were included in the final review. Soft Tissue Injuries - soft tissue abrasions and contusion were the most frequent injury (41%). Differential diagnoses included erythema multiforme, erythema chronicum migrans, purpura annularis telangiectodes, other gyrate erythemas, physical abuse and cupping. Paintball purpura tends to resolve completely over 1-2 weeks, although occasionally may evolve into a hypopigmented scar. Reduction of fitness and agility with age may correlate with soft tissue injury, as the game typically requires rapid directional changes in order to avoid being targeted. Ocular Injuries - 21 papers documented ocular injuries, accounting for 15% of paintball injuries. Over 90% injured were male, most injuries occurred in those 10-19 years. 45.6% had removed their eye protection prior to injury; 54.4% were not wearing any eye protection. Injuries were 6 times more likely to occur in non-commercialised games/unsupervised settings. Ocular injuries are generally related to blunt trauma, hyphema being the most common injury followed by vitreous or retinal haemorrhage. Other injuries included traumatic cataract, retinal detachment, choroidal detachment, corneal abrasion and retinal tear. Many required surgery and visual acuity remained reduced in many post-intervention. Reduction in injuries relies on wearing protective face-masks at all times. Head and Neck Injuries - account for 10.1% of all paintballing injuries. Case reports include a post-traumatic occipital artery pseudoaneurysm, a pseudoaneurym of the superficial temporal artery and a hyperextension neck injury with a partial thrombosis of the internal jugular vein by a haematoma abscess. Injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate head and neck protection, as well as discouraging targeting shots to the area. Organ injuries - c ase reports detailing organ injuries include a large subcapsular haematoma of the right lobe of the liver and an isolated epididymal haematoma. Conclusion: Paintballing is becoming more popular and serious injuries may occur as a consequence. The UK Paintball Sports Federation states that paintballing facilities must conform to players wearing masks at all times, as well as one or two piece safety suits, to minimise the risk of injury. Firing should not occur at close range and trained staff should be present to ensure that rules are adhered to, as well as check the velocity of the paintballs prior to play. However, many injuries occur when playing in unregulated and unsupervised locations, and young people require education on the dangers of playing in these circumstances. Whilst buying paintball guns in the UK for personal use is legal, some states in the US have passed laws to control 'sales, transport, and use of paintball guns'.