Firearm Injury Prevention

Kelsey A B Gastineau; Sandra McKay

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2023.07.003

Firearm Injury Prevention

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 Dec;70(6):1125-1142. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.07.003. Epub 2023 Aug 23.

Authors

Kelsey A B Gastineau¹, Sandra McKay²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Electronic address: kelsey.gastineau@vumc.org.
² Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, JJL 480, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

PMID: 37865435
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.07.003

Abstract

Firearms are the leading cause of death for US youth, overtaking motor vehicle collisions in 2020. Approximately 65% are due to homicide, 30% are due to suicide, 3.5% are due to unintentional injuries, 2% are undetermined intent, and 0.5% are from legal interventions. In homes with firearms, the likelihood of unintentional death, suicide, and homicide is three to four times higher than those without firearms. Secure storage of firearms, having them locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition can prevent unintentional firearm injuries.

Keywords: Firearm safety; Gun safety; Safer storage; Unintentional firearm injuries.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Firearms*
Homicide / prevention & control
Humans
Suicide*
Wounds, Gunshot* / prevention & control