Firearm-Related Fatality Surveillance in Hartford County, Connecticut

Medical examiner, police, & crime lab data were collected for firearm deaths occurring in Hartford County, Connecticut during 1997. Standard criteria were used for evaluating an epidemiological surveillance system. The surveillance system detected 52 firearm-related fatalities: 31 suicides & 21 homicides. Handguns accounted for over 50% of the suicides & 72% of the homicides. Sensitivity was 96% & specificity was 100%. It is concluded firearm injury surveillance is feasible & expansion to statewide coverage possible. The surveillance yielded considerable data at reasonable costs. (15 refs.)