O3383 FIREARM INJURIES IN WEST YORKSHIRE – A TEACHING HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Aims: Firearm injury is a potentially increasing public health problem worldwide. It is increasingly the subject of media and public attention. We aim to analyse the epidemiology, pattern and outcome as experienced. Methods: Data such as age, sex, race, scene and nature of injury, þrearm used, alcohol and drug factors, anatomy involved, surgical requirements, transfusion details, ICU/HDU stay, complications, deaths, and outcome were collected from medical notes, WYMAS and Coroners ofþce of all patients who presented with þrearm injuries from Jan 1995 to Dec 2001. Results: 78 cases presented to our institution. There were 19 fatalities at the scene of injury. 69 were male. 51 sustained injuries in public places, 20 at their homes and 7 in outdoor areas. Low velocity þrearms were involved in 49 cases. 50 were crime related. Alcohol was identiþed 34 patients and illicit drugs in 6 cases. 19 cases had bony injury with associated vascular injury in one case. Primary neurological injury was diagnosed in 5 cases. Lower extremities and upper limb injuries accounted for 59% and 26%. 3 had head and neck wounds. 4 patients had thoracic trauma and 5 had abdominal injury. 86% required surgical intervention. 11 patients had a total of 16 complications, the most common being secondary infection. 6% patients died at the emergency department and 3 after. Chest injuries caused 5 deaths and head wounds caused 3 deaths illustrating criminal intention to cause fatal body harm. Conclusions: Males in younger age groups are disproportionately affected and the majority were crime related injuries. Alcohol and other drugs were identiþed as a signiþcant factor. There has been no signiþcant decrease in the reported cases of þrearm injuries or þrearm related deaths after the amendment made in the Firearm Rules in Sep 1998 (No:1941). The incidence of non-fatal þrearm injury is comparable to centers involving similar population.