Firearm Injury Prevention and Patient Safety: Online Course-AAP Policy Statement - Firearm-Related Injuries Affecting the Pediatric Population

AAP Policy Statement - Firearm-Related Injuries Affecting the Pediatric Population

Pdf Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a policy statement on firearm-related injuries affecting children and adolescents. The statement emphasizes the importance of preventing gun-related injuries by keeping guns out of children's homes and communities. It highlights the association between firearm availability and adolescent suicide risk and recommends safe gun storage practices, such as keeping guns unloaded and locked away separately from ammunition, to reduce children's risk of injury. The statement also supports regulation of the manufacture, sale, purchase, ownership, and use of firearms, as well as a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons and strong regulations on handguns. Additionally, the AAP recognizes the need for research on firearm injury prevention and recommends education for healthcare professionals in understanding the effects of firearms and reducing their use. The statement urges pediatricians to counsel parents on the dangers of children having access to guns and advocates for firearm storage regulations and consumer product regulations. The AAP also supports funding for research related to firearm injury prevention and the education of professionals involved in preventing firearm injuries.

Keywords

American Academy of Pediatrics

firearm-related injuries

children and adolescents

gun-related injuries

gun safety

adolescent suicide risk

safe gun storage

regulation of firearms

semiautomatic assault weapons ban

firearm injury prevention