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Gunshot wounds: bullet caliber is increasing, 1998-2003
Obinna O Adibe1, Robert P Caruso, Kenneth G Swan
1Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Care System, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
The American Surgeon
|April 22, 2004
Summary
The use of larger caliber firearms in accidents, homicides, and suicides has continued to increase. Despite this trend, mortality rates among gunshot wound victims remained stable due to improved medical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Trauma Surgery
- Ballistics
Background:
- A previous study documented an increasing trend in firearm caliber used in violent incidents.
- This study aimed to update and further investigate this trend using data from a level 1 trauma center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the trend of firearm caliber used in accidents, homicides, and suicides.
- To analyze mortality rates among gunshot wound victims during the study period.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of 367 bullets submitted to surgical pathology from 1998-2002.
- Analysis of medical records for mortality data of gunshot wound victims (ICD-9 codes E 922, E 965).
- Statistical analysis including linear regression and analysis of variance.
Main Results:
- Mean bullet caliber increased from 8.47 +/- 0.22 mm to 9.16 +/- 0.15 mm (P < 0.01).
- Mortality rates ranged from 4.7% to 10.7%, with no statistically significant differences observed (P > 0.20).
Conclusions:
- The trend towards larger caliber firearms in firearm-related incidents persists.
- Improvements in trauma care likely account for the stable mortality rates despite increasing firearm caliber.