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Abstract
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Introduction
Nationally representative, epidemiologic data evaluating firearm-related injuries (FRIs) are lacking. This study sought to report on the incidence of emergency department (ED) admissions for FRIs and estimate the financial burden associated with FRIs in the US.
Methods
Patients presenting to the ED for an FRI between 2006 and 2013 were identified using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Age- and sex-specific population estimates were calculated using data from the US census bureau and reported per 100,000 individuals.
Results
A total of 640,791 ED admissions or 26.0 admissions per 100,000 individuals were identified. Incidence of FRIs was highest among patients aged 20-29 years, and was higher among male patients compared with female patients (Figure A). Over time, FRIs were observed to decrease from 28.22 per 100,000 in 2006 to 22.91 per 100,000 in 2013, and this effect was more pronounced among male patients compared with female patients (Figure B). From the ED, 48.8% (n = 309,977) were discharged home while 36.5% (n = 232,106) were admitted to inpatient care, case fatality was 8.1% (n = 51,402). Case fatality was highest among patients ≥60 years (22.3%), among patients with an Injury Severity Score ≥15 (33.0%), and among patients injured in an attempted suicide (38.9%). The mean ED and inpatient charges for all patients were $4,870 (95% CI $4,458-$5,281) and $92,904 (95% CI $87,599-$98,209), respectively, amounting to a total of $23.5 billion in ED ($2.4 billion) and inpatient charges ($21.4 billion).
Conclusions
Significant clinical and financial burden is associated with FRIs. Future policies related to firearms should focus to better understand and subsequently prevent FRIs.
Language: en |