No. 15 Sting Ball
Grenade
This hand-held, hand-thrown grenade has an initial 1-second delay fuse, after which
the fuse assembly is discharged at low speed away from the main charge. After an
additional 1-second delay, the main charge detonates. This produces a loud
sound, a bright flash of light, and the distribution of approximately 180 rubber
pellets of .32 caliber size. Pellets travel up to 50 feet from the point of
detonation.
The Sting Ball Grenade may be used for crowd control, personnel incapacitation,
or to clear facilities of personnel.
After detonation, the rubber pellets rapidly lose velocity. Individuals
struck by the pellets at long range are unlikely to notice anything or suffer
any injury. Within 50 feet of the detonation, however, individuals usually
notice an intense stinging at the site of impact. Because of the relatively low
velocity and the character of the projectile (rubber), penetration beneath the
skin is not usually expected. For those close to the site of detonation,
however, penetration of the pellets beneath the skin is common.
Superficial penetration is treated by removal of the pellet, debridement of
any dead tissue (rarely needed), thorough cleansing of the wound tract with
large amounts of sterile saline, Ringer's lactate, or even plain water. Make
sure to remove any foreign material (clothing threads, dirt). Then apply a loose
gauze, and allow the wound to close spontaneously. Skin edges should not be
primarily sutured. Administer tetanus prophylaxis. Deep penetration is treated
just like any other low to moderate velocity penetrating wound from a foreign
body.
Any pellet injury to the eye can be very serious and vision-threatening. If
the operational setting allows, immobilize the eye (patching or eye cup) and
arrange for transportation to a definitive care setting.
More Information on Hand Grenades
More Information on Operational Safety |
From Operational Medicine 2001:
Health Care in Military Settings
CAPT Michael John Hughey, MC, USNR
NAVMED P-5139
January 1, 2001
Bureau of Medicine and
Surgery,
Department of the Navy,
2300 E Street NW,
Washington, D.C,
20372-5300
United States Special Operations Command,
7701 Tampa Point Blvd.,
MacDill AFB, Florida,
33621-5323
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