Use of Army Weapons and Private Firearms for Suicide and Homicide in the Region of Basel, Switzerland

Records of suicides in the region of Basel between 1992-1996 were reviewed. Suicides with either army weapons or private firearms & suicides by other means were compared. Homicides were also analyzed. Firearms suicides were clearly the most frequent means of suicide & were also used in 30% of domestic homicides, although other means were used at similar rates. Firearms for suicide were mainly used by men, especially army weapons. These men were younger, professionally better qualified, & fewer had even been treated in one of the local state psychiatric services. (24 refs.)