Unintentional Firearm-Related Injury and Death at a Level 1 Trauma Center Located in a Rural State

Abstract

The circumstances surrounding unintentional firearm-related injuries remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to characterize unintentional firearm-related injuries through a retrospective review of 151 patients admitted to a Level 1 Trauma Center between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2023. Most patients were non-Hispanic (91%, n = 138), Caucasian (87%, n = 132), and male (92%, n = 139) and primarily aged 18 to 24 years (25%, n = 37). The mean Injury Severity Score was 6 ± 7.5, with most injuries occurring in the extremities. Injuries were mainly self-inflicted (66%, n = 100), often involved a handgun (70%, n = 105), and frequently occurred in the patient’s home (45%, n = 68). Circumstances surrounding the injuries included cleaning the gun (27%, n = 41) and engaging in unsafe practices (21%, n = 31). Overall, 2% (n = 3) experienced a fatal injury. Emphasizing safe gun-cleaning practices and addressing firearm malfunctions may help reduce the incidence of unintentional firearm injuries, highlighting this as a critical area for future intervention.