Comparison of the Costs of Acute Treatment for Gunshot and Stab Wounds: Further Evidence of the Need for Firearms Control

It is hypothesized that decreasing the number of gunshot & stab wounds will also produce significant economic savings. 1116 patients with gunshot wounds & 1529 patients with stab wounds admitted to a trauma unit from 1986-92 were compared on charges & reimbursements for treatment. Purposeful & accidental cases were included. Treatment costs for gunshot wounds are higher than those for stab wounds & are rising more rapidly, with an increasing amount of public funds going to meet these costs.