Medico-legal trends of firearm injuries

Abstract

In India, firearm injury is a global issue and causes significant hazards. Firearms and their use are modifiable risk factors which could help reduce the burden of violent death if recognized and addressed. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based Descriptive Retrospective Research was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur during the period from May 2014 to October 2015. Results: Firearm crime has a burden of 0.49 per cent (115 cases). Males (9:1) outnumber females. Majority of victims were in the age group of the second and third decades. Incidence in female, literate, and rural communities is higher. The most common manner of death was homicides. Discussion: Property disputes, revenge, and robbery are common factors that underlie these. It takes educational efforts, individual and community approaches to mitigate firearm injuries. The epidemiological reviews contained in this research will enhance our understanding of different forms of firearm injuries, inform interventions and assist in charting directions for future research.