Emergency medical service encounters for firearm injuries spiked during pandemic and remained elevated last year, study finds

Rates of emergency medical services encounters for firearm injuries have increased in 2021 compared to 2019 levels but began to decline in subsequent years. However, rates in 2023 remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. A study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the most vulnerable to gun violence were young Black men living in urban areas with severe housing problems, high unemployment, and income disparities. The study analyzed data from 858 counties in 27 states between January 2019 and September 2023. The increase in firearm injuries was highest among children and teens, while the reasons behind the increase remain unclear. It is hoped that the report will encourage hospitals and community groups to promote secure firearm storage and the development of comprehensive firearm injury prevention strategies.