Fatal Firearm Injuries in the United States 1962-1994: Violence Surveillance Summary Series, No. 3

This report reviews the descriptive epidemiology of firearm-related mortality in the United States from 1962-1994. The patterns of overall firearm-related mortality & of homicide, suicide, unintentional death, deaths occurring during legal intervention, & deaths of undetermined intent are examined by race, sex, & age group. It is found that throughout the 33-year period examined, suicide & homicide were responsible for most firearm fatalities (94% of the total). Rates of suicide were also found to be particularly high amongst the elderly. (15 refs)