Firearms Flashcards
Is there an population with higher risk of firearm injuries/deaths?
Adolescent males
What are the laws in Canada regarding buying and owning a firearm
Before buying a firearm, there must be a screening process.
All firearm owners must be liscenced
All firearms must be registered by owner
All firearms must be stored locked and unloaded and separate from ammunition
What are the risks of owning a firearm
Unintentional injury
Increased rates of homicide (domestic violence)
Increased rates of suicide attempt and successful suicide
Why is owning a firearm an increased risk for suicide in adolescents (15-24 year olds) but not for adults (24-64 year olds)?
It is likely that certain developmental characteristics of teenagers contribute to this observed difference: impulsivity, sensitivity to peer pressure, experimentation with ETOH and susbtances
Are BB guns and air guns the same as firearms? Are they more benign?
No. These are non-powder firearms. They use air or CO2 compression or spring loaded piston to propel the small caliber pellets.
Non-powder guns can cause damage - they can result in death, eye injuries etc and should also be considered dangerous
Are BB guns regulated in Canada?
No, although this is province specific
Non-powdered guns typically fire at a velocity less than 152m/s. In Canada, only guns that give > 152 m/s are regulated by federal gun control laws. They are also not regulated by Hazardous Products Act
What velocity is needed to penetrate the eye?
39 m/s
Does counseling families regarding the risks of firearms and the importance of safe storage work?
Mixed evidence.
Some say that families will change their behaviours after counseling, while some evidence demonstrates no change in practice with counseling.
Are there any other interventions apart from counseling that you can try?
- advise re gun safe (good evidence)
- safety devices on firearms (ex loaded gun indicatory) (good evidence)
- school based child education (poor supportive evidence)
Are there any potential negative side effects of educating children about gun safety?
There is some concern that it will increase their comfort level around guns, especially in programs that include gun-handling techniques.
Parents may be inclined to reduce supervision or the safe storage practices
Financial - no evidence that they improve real life scenarios or outcomes
How should pediatricians incorporate their knowledge on firearms into their day to day practice?
They should routinely inquire about the presence of a firearm in the home and inform the parents of the risks.
When would you recommend removing a firearm from the home?
If there were risk factors for adolescent suicide (RCT evidence)
+/- risks of unintentional injury and domestic violence (less evidence)
If there are BB guns or paintball guns in the house, what should you advise the family?
High risk of ocular injuries
Should not be used without supervision.
With paintball guns - use protective eyeware
