Permitless Carry Laws and FIREARM-RELATED Injuries at a Level I Trauma Center

Abstract

Firearm-related injuries (FRI) are a public health issue in the United States. Permitless carry laws (PCL) eliminate the need for permits to carry firearms. This study evaluates the effects of Alabama’s PCL implementation on FRI rates at a Level I trauma center. A retrospective study was conducted of patients treated for FRI between 2019 and 2023 at a Level 1 trauma center. Demographic data and clinical metrics were collected and analyzed, and FRI rates were calculated. FRI rates post-PCL were compared to pre-PCL. Over five years, 14 226 patients were evaluated, with 1630 sustaining FRI. The overall FRI rate was 11.5 per 100 trauma assessments, with a peak in 2021 (12.5) and a low in 2023 (10.3). Comparing pre- and post-PCL periods, the FRI rate decreased from 11.8 to 10.3 (P = .019). This finding suggests that PCL did not result in an increase in firearm-related injuries at our institution. More robust studies are needed to comprehensively assess the impact of PCL on FRI.