- In 2017 60% of U.S. gun deaths were due to suicide (source)
- Nationally 90% of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal (source, source, source)
- Firearm suicide rates are highest in the intermountain area (Nevada, Utah, and parts of Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico) and rural areas. (source)
- Firearm suicides are rarely reported by the news media unless they happen in a public space or are a murder-suicide. (source, source)
- Asking suicidal patients about firearm access may help with risk stratification and intervention. (source)
- Currently <50% of suicidal patients discharged home are asked about firearm access prior to discharge. (source)
Suicide Awareness Week is Sept. 8–14. Watch for more information from ACEP soon.
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ACEP Now: Vol 38 – No 08 – August 2019Compiled by AFFIRM research.
One Response to “By the Numbers: Firearm Suicides”
September 8, 2019
John CastleI appreciate the information about firearm related deaths. It does provide a service especially those of us who labor in psychiatry. However, I would ask if you would also consider balancing what could be politically construed as a liberal attack on the 2nd amendment by writing about lives saved due to self-defence acts with firearms? That would protect you from folks like myself who have a suspicion that there could be a political motive in a one-sided conversation about the utilization of firearms. Or, you could write about deaths caused by knives? Your choice? Blessings.