Captive bolt guns and suicides: a 15-year Swedish retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Captive bolt guns, used in the meat industry, are not classified as firearms in Sweden.
• This study investigated human fatalities, particularly suicides, involving captive bolt guns.
• Analysis included epidemiological trends, risk factors, and injury patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the involvement of captive bolt guns in human fatalities in Sweden.
• To analyze epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and injury patterns associated with captive bolt gun suicides.
• To identify high-risk demographics and circumstances for prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study of suicides involving captive bolt guns in Sweden from 2009 to 2023.
• Data collection from the National Board of Forensic Medicine, including demographics and autopsy reports.
• Analysis of injury patterns and circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Main Results:

• 39 suicides involving captive bolt guns occurred over 15 years (average 2.6 annually).
• Higher suicide rates were observed in rural areas with lower population density.
• Older males with mental health issues were identified as a high-risk group, with brain injuries predominating as the cause of death.

Conclusions:

• Suicides involving captive bolt guns are infrequent but warrant attention.
• Prevention strategies should target individual risk factors, access to devices, and mental health services in rural communities.
• Understanding injury patterns helps distinguish captive bolt gun injuries from other causes.