Characteristic features of pediatric firearm fatalities--comparisons between Australia and the United States.
Gunshot deaths in children less than 17 years of age from Adelaide, SA, Australia (1969-2005) and from San Diego County, CA, United States (1988-2005) were compared. Forty-two pediatric gunshot fatalities occurred in South Australia (1.1 cases/year; M:F = 30:12). There were 6 accidents (14%), 14 suicides (33%), and 22 homicides (52%). In San Diego there were 185 cases (c.10 cases/year; M:F = 148:37). There were 6 accidents (3%), 42 suicides (23%), 130 homicides (70%), and 7 undetermined cases (4%). The incidence of homicide was significantly higher in San Diego County compared to Adelaide (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of murder-suicides occurring in Adelaide. There were markedly more accidents and suicides involving males in Adelaide and a far higher number of male homicide victims in San Diego County compared to females. Rifles of 0.22-caliber were preferred weapons in South Australia, compared to handguns in San Diego County.
Byard
Roger W
RW
Discipline of Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Medical School Nth, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. byard.roger@saugov.sa.gov.au
Haas
Elisabeth
E
Marshall
Drew T
DT
Gilbert
John D
JD
Krous
Henry F
HF
D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005389:Firearms; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000401:mortality*