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Characteristic Features of Pediatric Firearm Fatalities—Comparisons Between Australia and the United States
Author(s) -
Byard Roger W.,
Haas Elisabeth,
Marshall Drew T.,
Gilbert John D.,
Krous Henry F.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01125.x
Subject(s) - homicide , medicine , poison control , demography , injury prevention , incidence (geometry) , suicide prevention , occupational safety and health , medical emergency , physics , pathology , sociology , optics
Abstract: Gunshot deaths in children less than 17 years of age from Adelaide, SA, Australia (1969–2005) and from San Diego County, CA, United States (1988–2005) were compared. Forty‐two pediatric gunshot fatalities occurred in South Australia (1.1 cases/year; M:F = 30:12). There were 6 accidents (14%), 14 suicides (33%), and 22 homicides (52%). In San Diego there were 185 cases ( c. 10 cases/year; M:F = 148:37). There were 6 accidents (3%), 42 suicides (23%), 130 homicides (70%), and 7 undetermined cases (4%). The incidence of homicide was significantly higher in San Diego County compared to Adelaide ( p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of murder–suicides occurring in Adelaide. There were markedly more accidents and suicides involving males in Adelaide and a far higher number of male homicide victims in San Diego County compared to females. Rifles of 0.22‐caliber were preferred weapons in South Australia, compared to handguns in San Diego County.