Firearm injuries in Edmonton: A decade of experience

Abstract

Background: Firearms cause severe injuries that require a large amount of healthcare resources. In Canada, few studies describe the incidence and outcomes of gun violence treated in our trauma centers. Objective: From trauma registry data, we describe the demographic, social, and medical characteristics of patients presenting to the hospital with gunshot wounds. In particular, we describe their injury severity, resuscitative interventions, hospitalizations, and outcomes. Results: From 2012 to 2022, Edmonton’s two trauma centers saw 367 patients injured by firearms, predominately young males. Assault was a more common intent for injury (76%) than self-harm, accident, or law enforcement (16%, 6%, and 2%, respectively). Handguns were the most common weapon identified. Resuscitative procedures for these patients were common, including endotracheal intubation, chest decompression, and blood administration. Overall mortality was 24% with most deaths occurring on the first day. In those who survived beyond that, hospitalization duration averaged 21 days. Only 53% were discharged to routine self-care. Conclusion: Gun violence is an uncommon presentation in Edmonton’s trauma centers. Healthcare resource utilization is expected to be high, especially on the first day.