Year: 1997 Source: Injury, v.28, no.2, (March 1997), p.153-158 SIEC No: 19970731

The use of airguns in attempted suicide is uncommon. The surface wounds caused by discharged pellets may appear trivial to medical examiners. 3 cases of attempted suicide are described & 9 other cases reported in the medical literature are reviewed. Of the 12 attempts 3 were fatalities. Most of the victims were males. 4 of the attempts were extremely determined, involving repeated discharge of the airgun or the use of other means to effect suicide.