• P J Archer, S Mallonee, A C Schmidt, and R M Ikeda.
• Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City 73117-1299, USA.
• Am J Prev Med. 1998 Oct 1;15(3 Suppl):83-91.

ContextThe magnitude of firearm-related deaths is known, but few studies have evaluated the magnitude and epidemiology of nonfatal firearm-related injuries. The circumstances resulting in fatal versus nonfatal injury are likely very different. No single data source provides complete details on nonfatal shootings.ObjectiveTo establish a surveillance system to define the epidemiology of fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries.DesignData were collected on fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries that occurred in 1995.SettingState of Oklahoma.ParticipantsMedical Examiner, Vital Statistics, hospital emergency and medical records departments, police departments, newspaper clipping service.Main Outcome MeasuresIncidence rate of firearm-related injuries; case-fatality rate; demographic, medical, and epidemiologic data; sensitivity of each reporting source; completeness of reporting.ResultsThe incidence rate of firearm-related injuries was 45.5 per 100,000 population. The case fatality rate was 35%. Injury rates were highest among adolescents, young adults, males, and African Americans. The Medical Examiner and Vital Statistics reported 87% and 98% of fatal cases, respectively. Passive surveillance of hospital emergency departments identified 72% of patients seeking hospital treatment. Among inpatients, 81% were identified by medical records departments. Newspaper clippings were obtained for 31% of cases. Information on the victim-perpetrator relationship and the type of firearm was available for 79% and 80% of cases, respectively.ConclusionsStatewide surveillance of firearm-related injuries using multiple data sources is possible and provides a picture of the overall firearm-related injury problem. Strategies to enhance computer linkages of medical and police data should be pursued to maximize the sensitivity of reporting and minimize the costs of surveillance.

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