Incidence and circumstances of nonfatal firearm-related injuries among children and adolescents

Author: Powell, E. C. / Jovtis, E. / Tanz, R. R.
Publication: Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med
Topics: Age Group Medical Adolescent
Keywords: Adolescents Emergency Department children-wounds & injuries firearm accident firearm injuries
Bibliographic information +

Data from hospital emergency departments involved in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 1993 to 1997 were used to determine the occurrence of non-fatal firearm related injuries in children and adolescents. There were about 115,131 powder gunshot injuries and about 103,814 non-powder (BB or pellet gun) injuries during the study years. The authors provide a breakdown of rates of injury by age group, gender and race. Most nonfatal firearm injuries were unintentional, occurred at home, during the weekend, and were caused by someone known to the victim.