Sword swallowers more likely to be injured when distracted or swallowing ‘unusual’ swords: “The authors set out to explore the techniques and side-effects of sword swallowing. Forty-six SSAI members took part in the study, 19 had experienced sore throats whilst learning, many had suffered lower chest pain following some performances, and six had suffered perforation of the pharynx and oesophagus, one other was told a sword had ‘brushed’ the heart.

The research found that these injuries occurred either when swallowers used multiple or unusual swords, or when they were distracted. For example one swallower lacerated his pharynx when trying to swallow a curved sabre whilst another suffered lacerations after being distracted by a ‘misbehaving’ macaw on his shoulder.” (British Medical Journal)