Firearm-Related Violence in the Pediatric Population

Author/s: 
Katherine M Marsh, Felicia Scott-Wellington
Date Added: 
January 26, 2024
Journal/Publication: 
Pediatric Annals
Publication Date: 
January 1, 2024
Issue: 
1
Volume: 
53
Pages: 
e28 - e33
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
10.3928/19382359-20231114-02
PMID (1): 
38194661

RPR Commentary

Firearm-related events are one of the leading causes of death in children and adolescents. If one of our roles as clinicians is to prevent premature deaths, then we need to be sure that parents are educated regarding safe storage of firearms and other firearm safety measures. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

Children, particularly adolescents, are dying from firearm-related injuries. Screening for firearms, early recognition of firearm-related concerns, appropriate referrals, and follow-up are crucial to the safety of our patients and their families. Clinicians are strongly encouraged to address firearm-related violence during clinical encounters. Risk reduction, advocacy, and policy implementation are key in mitigating the long-term negative sequelae of firearm violence in youth. The epidemiology of firearm-related death, mass shootings, school firearm violence, adolescent health, prevention, injury patterns, postinjury care, policy, and resources are all discussed in this article. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(1):e28–e33.]

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