A retrospective study from July 2002 to June 2012 was carried out to evaluate
firearm injuries and associated factors. Among the victims included non fatal
cases admitted and treated in MKCG Medical College, Hospital, Berhampur
and fatal firearm cases referred for autopsy to the Forensic Medicine &
Toxicology Department, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur.The total number
of cases was 179 out of which 73 were fatal and 106 cases were non fatal.The
total incidence in Ganjam district has doubled from 0.45/100,000 in 2008 to
0.9/100,000 in 2011-12. Most of the victims were middle-aged males (51
cases; 70%). The male to female ratio was 24:1. Sixty instances (82%) of
firearm deaths occurred in the rural areas, with majority of them happening at
night (39cases; 53%). Most cases were homicides (69 cases; 95%). Three cases
(4.0%) were suicides and one case (1.0%) was accidental. The most common
site of entry was the chest (26 cases; 36.0%), the head (20 cases; 27.0%).Lungs
is the most common organs affected in twenty nine cases(40%).Handguns like
pistols and revolvers were responsible for 42 cases (58.0%) and Shotguns in 17
cases (23.0%) of firearm injuries.These results support the argument that
rigorous pursuit of campaign firearms without a license and arresting them is
useful in reducing the number of firearm deaths. |