26 July 99

From Gunshot Wounds, by Vincent Di Maio:

“The limiting factor for consciousness is the oxygen supply to the brain. When the oxygen to the brain is consumed, unconsciousness occurs. Experiments have shown that an individual can continue to function without a functioning heart for a short period of time. Thus, if no blood is pumped to the brain, an individual can still function, eg, run, for at least ten seconds before collapsing.”

A student concludes:

“I cannot imagine a more convincing reason for teaching students that a ‘good shot’ does not necessarily mean that an opponent will fall down or be out of the fight. Ten seconds is a long time, longer than most exchanges last!

/John