Firearm Injury Prevention and Patient Safety: Online Course-Position Statement

Position Statement - Firearm Safety and Injury Prevention

Pdf Summary

Firearm injuries in the United States result in over 30,000 deaths each year, but effective firearm injury prevention measures have been hindered by a lack of data and research. In 1996, federal funding for firearm injury research was effectively halted, leading to a scarcity of information on how to reduce firearm injuries. This lack of research also extends to issues of importance to firearm owners, creating a divide in the understanding of firearms in America. Despite the lack of data, there are some evidence-based strategies that can help prevent firearm injuries. Screening patients at risk for suicide and implementing safety measures to limit access to firearms can reduce deaths. Storing firearms safely, such as using locks and safes, has also been shown to decrease accidental deaths and suicides. Laws that prohibit access to firearms by individuals with domestic violence restraining orders or misdemeanor convictions have been effective in reducing intimate partner violence and overall firearm homicides. Additionally, universal background checks for firearm purchases have been shown to reduce suicides, violent crime, and homicides. The Emergency Nurses Association supports federal funding for research into firearm injuries, as well as the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies. Emergency nurses play a critical role in screening patients for firearm access and educating the public about firearm safety measures. They should approach this issue in a non-judgmental way, recognizing the importance of addressing firearm injuries in their professional duties.

Keywords

firearm injuries

United States

deaths

firearm injury prevention

data

research

federal funding

evidence-based strategies

suicide prevention

safety measures