Increase in firearm-related medical emergencies during pandemic persisted through the preceding year, according to study.
Urban young black men, particularly those residing in areas plagued by severe housing issues like overcrowding, high costs, and deficient facilities, faced the highest risk of gun violence, as per a recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study was unveiled on Thursday in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The study's team scrutinized data relating to individuals who sought emergency medical services (EMS) attention for gun injuries in 858 counties across 27 states from January 2019 to September 2023. Due to its focus on these specific areas, the study isn't conclusive nationwide. Nonetheless, it offers a valuable insight into the extent of gun violence across the nation and the demographics most susceptible to it in certain regions.
In contrast to the year prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the report indicates that the rate of EMS interactions for gun injuries remained notably elevated through the end of 2023. In comparison to 2019, the rates were 22% higher in 2020, 27% higher in 2021, 17% higher in 2022, and 14% higher in 2023.
Individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 sustained the highest number of gun injuries, though the most significant growth in injuries during this period was witnessed among children and adolescents under 14.
The data does not reveal the specific manner in which people were injured by guns, be it self-harm, accident, or crime.
The study's authors couldn't pinpoint why the rate of gun injuries had surged. One probable explanation could be the surge in gun ownership. Earlier research pointed to a notable increase in gun purchases in 2020, with the number of purchases remaining higher than pre-pandemic levels, albeit experiencing a slight dip in 2023 compared to the year prior.
The report's authors also brought forth evidence of an increase in domestic violence in the U.S. after stay-at-home recommendations were issued to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Moreover, the number of suicide attempts in the U.S. increased during the pandemic, as numerous studies demonstrate.
However, studies demonstrate a significant decrease in violent crime – including crimes involving guns – last year as compared to the preceding year, with murder rates recording some of the largest decreases in history.
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The study's authors caution that the data does not account for the number of individuals who died instantly from gun injuries and consequently didn't require EMS assistance. The data's quality may also vary, as it relies on EMS personnel to enter all the information accurately, according to the CDC.
The CDC researchers expressed hope that the new report could motivate hospitals and community organizations to advocate for secure firearm storage to reduce the number of gun injury victims.
In a separate CDC survey released this month, firearm owners in eight states reported keeping guns unlocked and loaded in a significant number of homes, including those with children. In Alaska, this was the case in over 40% of homes with children, while in Ohio, it exceeded 25%.
The new report emphasizes the importance of states and local communities developing comprehensive firearm injury prevention strategies, such as tackling underlying issues hinted at in the report – one such issue being the lack of access to affordable housing, a persistent challenge in the U.S. During the pandemic, rents increased approximately 24% as per government data, potentially weakening social ties and contributing to safety concerns.
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The study's focus on specific areas with severe housing issues means that the findings might not be entirely representative of the nation as a whole. Emergency medical services (EMS) data showed an increase in gun injuries among urban young black men, particularly in overcrowded, expensive, and substandard housing areas.
