Can a Paintball Gun Hurt You? (How to Avoid Injuries?)

Paintball guns are popular for recreational use because they are relatively safe. However, there is potential for injury if you are not careful. In this post, we will discuss the types of injuries that can occur and how to avoid them. We will also review some facts about paintball guns that may surprise you. Keep reading to learn more!

Can a Paintball Gun Hurt You?

The short answer is yes, a paintball gun can hurt you. Some of the more common injuries that occur with paintball guns occur when players don’t wear protective gear such as goggles and masks. If you’re not wearing safety glasses, it’s easy for a paintball to scratch your cornea or get lodged in your eye.

How Much Pressure Is in a Paintball?

Paintballs are pressurized using carbon dioxide or compressed air. A typical paintball gun shoots at a speed of 300 feet per second and uses between 350 and 500 psi to do so. That’s enough pressure to send the ball through sheetrock! Paintballs indeed pose less of a danger than bullets, but they can still hurt you.

How Can a Paintball Gun Injure You?

There are three potential ways to get injured while playing paintball: impact injuries, eye injuries, and infections.

Impact Injury

The most common type of injury that occurs while playing paintball is an impact injury. A direct paintball hit can cause bruising, welts, and even welting. Impact injuries are most common when players do not wear protective clothing or masks.

Eye Injury

Another possible injury that can occur while playing paintball is an eye injury. Players should always wear goggles to protect their eyes from the impact of a paintball as well as debris like dirt and leaves. Eye injuries can cause problems like blurred vision, but they are usually temporary.

Infection

Finally, infection is also possible while playing paintball. If a ball breaks open or gets covered in dirt and bacteria, players can easily transmit infections between each other. This risk is especially high if you wear contacts- always remove them before playing to avoid the risk of infection.

Could a Paintball Gun Blind Someone?

Yes, it is possible for a paintball gun to blind someone! An eye injury caused by a paintball can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. According to an article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, one patient lost vision in both eyes after being hit by a paintball. The risk of infection also increases in cases where an eye injury occurs.

How to Avoid Injuries While Playing Paintball

Avoiding injuries while playing paintball is simple – just wear protective clothing and goggles. Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind: Have a first aid kit nearby at all times, including bandages, antibiotic cream, and pain relievers.

Make sure to inspect your equipment before each use- if something is broken or not working properly, do not use it. Be mindful of your surroundings- even paintball guns can cause damage to other people and objects in the area so aim carefully!

Warnings about Paintball Guns

Paintball guns are relatively safe, but injuries can still occur if safety precautions are not followed. If you have any questions about your safety or the safety of others while playing paintball, be sure to check with a doctor before hitting the field.

Also, be aware that different states have different age restrictions for playing paintball. In most cases, children must be at least 18 years old before they can play paintball with others.

You now know how a paintball gun can hurt you and how to avoid those injuries. Following these tips will help you to enjoy your paintball experience and avoid any pain!