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Firearm Screening and Gun Lock Distribution in an Urban, Academic Pediatric Emergency Department
Theresa Timm1,2, Kristen Mueller3, Monica Lim1
1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, MO.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Pediatric emergency departments can improve firearm safety. Offering gun locks increased the use of safe firearm storage methods among parents/guardians, reducing unsafe storage practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Firearm access is a significant concern in households with children.
- Safe firearm storage practices are crucial for preventing unintentional injuries and deaths.
- Pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) are potential settings for firearm safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess firearm access and storage habits among parents/guardians of pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the impact of distributing gun locks on safe firearm storage practices.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in an urban academic PED.
- Parents/guardians completed a firearm triage survey and were offered gun locks.
- Follow-up phone surveys assessed storage practices one to two months after lock distribution.
Main Results:
- 17% of surveyed parents/guardians reported firearm access.
- Safe storage methods were reported by 70% at triage and increased significantly by follow-up.
- Gun lock distribution led to a substantial increase in locked firearm storage (11% to 59%).
Conclusions:
- Firearm screening and gun lock provision in PEDs are effective strategies.
- These interventions can significantly enhance safe firearm storage practices in a pediatric patient cohort.
- This approach contributes to reducing risks associated with household firearm access.
