Characteristic Features of Pediatric Firearm Fatalities—Comparisons Between Australia and the United States
Roger W. Byard M.D.
Discipline of Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Medical School Nth, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorElisabeth Haas B.A., M.P.H.
Department of Pathology, Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA.
Search for more papers by this authorDrew T. Marshall M.D.
Discipline of Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Medical School Nth, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorJohn D. Gilbert F.R.C.P.A.
Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorHenry F. Krous M.D.
Department of Pathology, Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA.
San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA.
Search for more papers by this authorRoger W. Byard M.D.
Discipline of Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Medical School Nth, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorElisabeth Haas B.A., M.P.H.
Department of Pathology, Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA.
Search for more papers by this authorDrew T. Marshall M.D.
Discipline of Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Medical School Nth, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorJohn D. Gilbert F.R.C.P.A.
Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorHenry F. Krous M.D.
Department of Pathology, Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA.
San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA.
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Abstract: Gunshot deaths in children less than 17 years of age from Adelaide, SA, Australia (1969–2005) and from San Diego County, CA, United States (1988–2005) were compared. Forty-two pediatric gunshot fatalities occurred in South Australia (1.1 cases/year; M:F = 30:12). There were 6 accidents (14%), 14 suicides (33%), and 22 homicides (52%). In San Diego there were 185 cases (c.10 cases/year; M:F = 148:37). There were 6 accidents (3%), 42 suicides (23%), 130 homicides (70%), and 7 undetermined cases (4%). The incidence of homicide was significantly higher in San Diego County compared to Adelaide (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of murder–suicides occurring in Adelaide. There were markedly more accidents and suicides involving males in Adelaide and a far higher number of male homicide victims in San Diego County compared to females. Rifles of 0.22-caliber were preferred weapons in South Australia, compared to handguns in San Diego County.
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