how does it feel to be shot?

you Hear the echo of a gunshot as panic engulfs those around you. Instinctively, you seek refuge, your heart racing and breath heavy. Amid the disorienting chaos, you glance downward—only to realize you've been hit. A chilling pool of blood saturates your shirt. How does the sensation of getting shot truly feel? Let's delve into this experience.

Though cinematic portrayals of gunshot wounds abound, reality often differs. The CDC reports that gun-related deaths in the US reached around 40,000 in 2017. Yet, many survive these incidents, and their shared experiences provide some common insights. It's worth noting, however, that individual reactions to pain vary greatly.

The sensations linked to being shot are closely tied to factors like bullet size, wound location, and personal thresholds. Despite this variability, shared accounts offer us a glimpse into the general experience.

Remarkably, many gunshot survivors recall feeling the initial bullet penetration. Interestingly, the first moments often lack immediate pain, which might seem counterintuitive. With a searing piece of metal tearing through skin, muscle, and nerves, one might expect agony. Yet, survivors often don't register pain until they observe blood—a surprising detachment.

One survivor likened the bullet's impact to a small pebble striking her, feeling shock but no initial pain. This sensation echoes throughout many experiences. The brain seems to activate a survival mode, delaying pain perception. As adrenaline floods the bloodstream, blood pressure, heart rate, and energy surge, enabling the body to function despite injury. This heightened state persists briefly, allowing the body to sustain itself even when gravely wounded.

Bullet size plays a role in pain perception. Larger bullets create more significant wounds, inducing heightened discomfort. Yet, even smaller bullets like 9mm rounds, when intact upon entry, may cause less pain than larger, shrapnel-producing ones. Bullets that fragment within the body inflict widespread damage, escalating pain. The more damage, the more intense the pain signals transmitted to the brain.

As initial shock subsides and the body initiates repair, survivors commonly report a burning sensation. This sensation is near-universal. Described as resembling an intense bee sting or a hot iron pressed against the body, the burning intensifies rather than subsides. This continuous burn is akin to a ceaseless needle thrust into the body.

The burning begins with a numbness and pressure upon penetration, radiating from the entry point. This transformation into intense heat or burning seems linked to the brain's recognition of the wound. Shrapnel's movement within the body might contribute to this sensation.

Survivors' accounts align regarding gunshot wounds to the head. Remarkably, surviving a headshot is not as rare as one might assume. Pain, while present, varies. Survivors often describe an intense headache upon impact, accompanied by a persistent ringing sound. This ringing drowns out other noise, ranging from a distinct tone to loud buzzing. Survivors emphasize the initial "ping" sound that transitions into the ringing, which can persist for days or weeks.

Recovery and rehabilitation prove more painful than the gunshot wound itself. Surgical removal of the bullet and wound mending, often excruciating, follows initial injuries. Months may pass before full healing, leading to prolonged pain. Psychological trauma further complicates recovery. Many survivors develop PTSD, and while therapy can aid some, others contend with it indefinitely.

Ultimately, being shot is a harrowing experience that transcends physical pain. The associated sensations hinge on numerous factors, making each encounter unique. For many, surviving a gunshot wound yields lingering repercussions—both physically and mentally.