Firearm injuries - a study of 110 cases

ABSTRACT

It is a perspective study of 110 cases of firearm injuries presenting at accident and emergency department Jinnah Hospital Lahore. The medicolegal services or provided by the department of forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. Consecutive 110 cases of firearm injuries were recruited in the study presenting in the Accident and Emergency Department of Jinnah Hospital Lahore during period October 1998 to September 2000. Out of the total of 110 cases, 100 cases were males [91%]. And 10 were female [9%]. The age ranged from 0 to above 60 years. The maximum numbers 42 [38%] were found between 21 to 30 years. Rifled weapon was used in 96 cases [87.3%] and non rifled weapon [shot gun] in 14 [12.7%] near distance fire was in 23 [21%] and for distance fire in [79%]. Body parts involved were also analyzed i.e. head face neck, chest abdomen and limbs. The gravity of situation reemphasized and suggestions made to the relevant authorities for better, healthy and peaceful society