According to a new study, emergency medical services encounters for firearm injuries saw a significant increase in 2021, with rates surpassing those in 2019 by more than 25%. While rates began to decrease in the following years, they remained higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
According to a recent study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young Black men residing in urban areas that suffer from severe housing issues, such as overcrowding, high cost, or a shortage of functional facilities, along with high unemployment and income inequalities, are at the highest risk of experiencing gun violence. The study, which was published in the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on Thursday, sheds light on the factors that contribute to the vulnerability of this demographic to gun-related incidents.
The study analyzed data on individuals who sought assistance from EMS due to firearm injuries in 858 counties across 27 states from January 2019 to September 2023. Although this study only looked at specific centers, it provides a glimpse into the level of gun violence and the demographic most likely to be affected in certain areas. It is important to note that the findings cannot be generalized to the entire nation.
According to the report, the rate of EMS encounters for firearm injuries remained high in the fall of 2023 when compared to the year before the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, the rates were significantly elevated, with a 22% increase in 2020, 27% increase in 2021, 17% increase in 2022 and 14% increase in 2023 when compared to 2019.
The age group that was most affected by firearm injuries was individuals between the ages of 15 to 24. However, the most significant rise in injuries occurred among children and teenagers up to the age of 14.
The information available does not provide details on the specific ways in which individuals sustained injuries from firearms. This could include incidents of self-harm, accidental injuries, or criminal activity.
It remains unclear why the incidence of firearm injuries has increased, according to the researchers. One theory is that the rise may be linked to the increased number of firearms in circulation. Previous studies have found a significant surge in gun purchases in 2020, and while there was a slight decrease in 2023, the number of purchases remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
According to the study, there was a noticeable rise in domestic violence cases in the US following the implementation of stay-at-home guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19.
According to studies, the pandemic led to an increase in the number of suicide attempts in the US.
Last year, studies revealed a significant drop in violent crime, which included incidents involving firearms. In fact, murder rates experienced one of the most substantial declines in history compared to the previous year.
According to the CDC, the number of people who may have died immediately from firearm injuries and didn’t require assistance from emergency medical services is not reflected in the available data. Moreover, the accuracy of the data can be compromised as it depends on EMS personnel to input information correctly. The researchers conducting the study acknowledge these limitations.
The authors of the CDC study expressed their desire for the latest report to serve as a catalyst for hospitals and community organizations to promote responsible firearm storage practices. They believe that such efforts will be instrumental in decreasing the number of firearm-related injuries.
According to a recent CDC survey, firearm owners in eight states revealed that they kept their guns unlocked and loaded, even in households with children. The survey found that over 40% of homes in Alaska with children had loaded and unlocked firearms, while in Ohio, the number was over 25%.
The report recommends that states and local communities create comprehensive firearm injury prevention strategies that address the potential underlying issues alluded to in the report.
Access to affordable housing has been a longstanding issue in the US, and the pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. According to government data, rents increased by about 24%, making it even more challenging for people to find affordable housing options. This lack of access to affordable housing not only has economic ramifications but also weakens social ties, potentially contributing to safety issues.