Journal Published Online: 01 May 1994
Volume 39, Issue 3

Deaths Due to Firearms Injuries in Children

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

There has been a marked increase in firearms-related deaths in this country over the past several decades. Especially in urban areas this increase has been correlated with a greater availability of handguns. Children have become more common victims of gunfire. Both accidental and homicidal shooting deaths have increased in the lower age groups. We examined deaths due to gunfire in children ten years and younger in Cook County, Illinois, which contains the large city of Chicago. Homicidal shootings predominated in this age group with the most common circumstances being a child struck by a stray bullet. Accidental shooting deaths always occurred when one or more children were playing with a gun they found in the home.

Author Information

Choi, E
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Donoghue, ER
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Lifschultz, BD
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13646J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13646J