By the Numbers: Firearm Suicides

In 2017 60% of U.S. gun deaths were due to suicide (source)
Nationally 90% of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal (source, source, source)
Firearm suicide rates are highest in the intermountain area (Nevada, Utah, and parts of Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico) and rural areas. (source)
Firearm suicides are rarely reported by the news media unless they happen in a public space or are a murder-suicide. (source, source)
Asking suicidal patients about firearm access may help with risk stratification and intervention. (source)
Currently <50% of suicidal patients discharged home are asked about firearm access prior to discharge. (source)

Suicide Awareness Week is Sept. 8–14. Watch for more information from ACEP soon.

Compiled by AFFIRM research.

Topics: firearms Guns suicide Suicide Risk

September 8, 2019
John Castle Reply

I appreciate the information about firearm related deaths. It does provide a service especially those of us who labor in psychiatry. However, I would ask if you would also consider balancing what could be politically construed as a liberal attack on the 2nd amendment by writing about lives saved due to self-defence acts with firearms? That would protect you from folks like myself who have a suspicion that there could be a political motive in a one-sided conversation about the utilization of firearms. Or, you could write about deaths caused by knives? Your choice? Blessings.