A Population-Based Study of Severe Firearm Injury Among Children and Youth

The epidemiology of severe firearm-related deaths & injuries among Connecticut children & youth, ages birth to 19 years, was studied. There were 219 firearm deaths; 54 were suicides with most occurring among nonurban residents. The highest risk group, males age 15-19, accounted for 83% of the suicides. 20 young people were hospitalized for self-inflicted firearms injuries, including 1 female in the age category 1-4 years. 1% of all hospitalizations for firearm injuries were suicide attempts.