Abstract
Objectives:
The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of firearm injuries (FI) and bladed weapon injuries (BWIs) in underage people and their respective outcomes.
Methods:
Using a retrospective observational design, data were recorded on patients who met the inclusion criteria receiving care in a public hospital between June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2018.
Results:
Ninety-one medical records were found, 76.9% of patients were males and 23.1% were females. Most injuries were caused by firearms (76%) and the remainder by bladed weapons (24%). The majority of patients were 12–18 years old (92.3%), while 7.7% were 6–12 years old. Male participants were the ones who most needed medical care (77%). Male adolescents in the older age group with injury-associated fractures (P = 0.015 and P = 0.032) accounted for the most common association in the sample, demonstrating greater susceptibility to fractures in these groups. Analysis of detailed location proved that BWIs BWIs were the leading cause of injuries to soft abdominal organs (P = 0.011).
Conclusion:
The occurrence of FI and BWIs in the pediatric population is significant and can imply death and tragic sequelae. Emergency services need to be prepared to provide care to these victims, particularly males and the 12–18 age range, as these are the most affected groups. Further studies should be conducted on this theme to gain a greater and better understanding of the etiology and repercussions of this type of injury in the lives of young patients.