Firearm Injury Prevention: The Role of the Clinician

Pediatr Ann. 2017 Apr 1;46(4):e127-e130. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20170321-03.

Abstract

More than 2,500 people younger than age 20 years die due to a firearm injury annually in the United States, and thousands more suffer injuries that are nonfatal. With nearly one firearm for every American in the US, exposure to a gun at some point during childhood or adolescence is highly likely. The high number of fatalities caused by firearms emphasizes the importance of primary prevention. This article calls on pediatricians to use their advantage as child development experts to discuss firearm injury prevention in clinical practice via a pragmatic and nonjudgmental approach. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(4):e127-e130.].

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Advocacy
  • Directive Counseling
  • Humans
  • Pediatricians*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Politics
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • United States
  • Wounds, Gunshot / prevention & control*