Gunshot Wounds in Children Under 10 Years of Age

Firearm Storage Practices and Children in the Home, United States, 1994

“…5,6 A literature review of the epidemiology of childhood firearm-related injuries shows that a child's access to a firearm, which is often stored in the home and frequently is a handgun, is a contributing factor in these injuries. [7][8][9][10][11] Children, who are naturally inquisitive, and adolescents, who are daring and susceptible to peer pressure, may seek out a firearm in their home or may not heed warnings to avoid handling a firearm in any setting when unsupervised by an adult. Most adolescents have the strength to pull the trigger of a firearm, particularly a handgun, but the ability of very young children to fire a handgun should not be underestimated.…”

Firearm storage patterns in US homes with children

“…[1][2][3][4] Children as young as 3 to 4 years are able to pull the trigger of most handguns, 5 and children of all ages may find firearms in the home and accidentally shoot someone. [2][3][4][6][7][8][9] Children (mostly adolescents) also use firearms from the home to commit suicide, 10,11 and some steal firearms from the home or elsewhere to use when committing a crime. [12][13][14] Organizations representing children and organizations representing firearm owners make recommendations for the storage of firearms and ammunition.…”

Spinal cord injuries in Arkansas due to violence: 1980 – 1989

“…4 According to a 1989 national study, a black male is six times more likely to be a homicide victim than a white male. 5 This disparity in risk also carries over to spinal cord injuries.…”