Frequency and Presentation of Firearm Deaths in Islamabad During 2014 Based on Autopsy Reports

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and presentations of firearm mortalities in Islamabad during 2014 and to find out the prevailing age, gender. To correlate frequency of gun shot injuries in relation to body region targeted. STUDY DESIGN: A Retrospective Descriptive PLACE AND DURATION: The study was conducted in the Federal Government Polyclinic Islamabad and Pakistan Institute of Medical Science Islamabad From 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014. METHODOLOGY: All cases of firearm mortality were recorded irrespective of age, sex, location of injuries, number of firearm injuries & type of firearm weapons used were amongst the inclusion criteria. All cases of putrefied dead bodies with firearm injuries and dead bodies with surgically altered wounds were amongst the exclusion criteria RESULTS: A total of 117 Cases of firearm related deaths were recorded from autopsy reports composing of 96 (82%) Male and 21(18%) Female. The victim ages ranged from 13 years to 63 years. Location of injuries on the body were highest on Head 29.9% ,Head & Chest 36.68%,Chest 19.70% , Chest + Abdomen 14.53% , Abdomen 17.95% and 4.3%.There were 71 dead bodies having two or more than two wounds of firearm entries and 46dead bodies having single firearm entry wound. CONCLUSION: Most of the firearm victims were male particularly male youth. Rifled firearms injuries on the head and chest were cause of death in rural community.