Gunshot injuries remain a major public health crisis in the United States. Every year, tens of thousands of people experience firearm-related injuries, with many resulting in fatalities.
In 2022 alone, over 48,000 people died due to gun violence, making firearms one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths.
While fatalities receive the most attention, nonfatal gunshot injuries affect even more individuals, leaving many with lifelong physical and psychological consequences.
Gunshot wounds have a wide-reaching impact, affecting victims, families, healthcare systems, and entire communities. The financial burden associated with medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost productivity, and criminal justice costs makes gun-related injuries one of the most expensive public health issues.
Addressing gun violence requires awareness, prevention strategies, policy changes, and responsible firearm ownership. Understanding the prevalence of gunshot injuries, who they affect most, and how to prevent them is essential in tackling this ongoing crisis.
How Common Are Gunshot Injuries in the U.S.?
The statistics highlight the severity of the issue:
- Over 48,000 people died due to firearm-related injuries in 2022.
- On average, 132 people lost their lives to gun violence each day.
- Firearm homicides declined by 7.5% in 2022 compared to 2021, but gun-related deaths still remained at historically high levels.
- Firearm suicides increased in 2022, with over 27,000 deaths, setting a new record.
- For every firearm fatality, many more individuals suffer nonfatal firearm injuries requiring hospitalization and long-term medical care.
Firearm injuries affect people from all walks of life, with certain demographics facing a significantly higher risk.
Demographic Groups Most Affected
Firearm injuries do not impact all communities equally. Some groups face disproportionately higher risks:
- Children and Teens: Firearms are one of the leading causes of death for young people. In 2022, more than 2,500 children aged 1–17 died from gun-related injuries. Older teens (ages 15–17) face the highest risks, and Black youth are the most affected. Over 55% of Black teenagers who died in 2022 were killed by a firearm.
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Black Americans are significantly more likely to be victims of gun homicides, with a rate 18 times higher than white Americans. Hispanic/Latino firearm deaths have also doubled in recent years.
- Men and Boys: Males account for most firearm injuries, both fatal and nonfatal. They are more likely to be involved in homicides, accidental shootings, and suicides involving firearms.
Geographic Disparities
Gun violence rates vary widely across different regions of the U.S.:
- States with stronger gun control laws generally report lower firearm injury rates.
- Some states experience higher hospitalization rates due to gun-related injuries, often due to higher gun ownership rates and weaker regulations.
- Urban areas tend to report more firearm-related homicides, while rural areas see higher firearm suicide rates.
First Aid for Firearm Injuries
Gunshot wounds require immediate medical attention. A victim’s survival often depends on how quickly they receive emergency care. Knowing what to do in the event of a shooting can save lives.
Steps to Take When Someone Is Shot
- Call 911 Immediately – Emergency services must be contacted as soon as possible. Give dispatchers clear information about the location and the victim’s condition.
- Control the Bleeding – Use a clean cloth, bandage, or hands to apply firm, direct pressure to the wound. If blood continues flowing heavily, apply a tourniquet above the wound (if trained to do so).
- Keep the Victim Still – Movement can worsen internal injuries. Encourage the victim to remain as still as possible until medical help arrives.
- Check for Breathing and Pulse – If the victim stops breathing, perform CPR if trained to do so.
- Do Not Remove the Bullet – Only medical professionals should attempt bullet removal. Trying to remove it without proper care can cause more damage.
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Economic and Social Impact of Firearm Injuries
The violence has far-reaching financial consequences beyond medical expenses. Every year, injuries cost hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare expenses, lost wages, and criminal justice costs.
Economic Costs
- Emergency Medical Care: Firearm injuries require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, intensive care, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Productivity: Survivors often experience long-term disabilities that affect their ability to work.
- Legal and Criminal Justice Expenses: Investigations, law enforcement efforts, court cases, and incarceration add millions in annual costs.
Psychological and Social Consequences
- Firearm violence survivors often experience long-term mental health struggles, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Families of victims face emotional trauma and financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages.
- Gun-related crime creates unstable communities, reducing property values, increasing fear, and straining local economies.
Firearm Violence Prevention Strategies
Reducing gunshot injuries requires comprehensive strategies at multiple levels, including policy changes, community programs, and responsible firearm ownership.
Policy Solutions
- Universal Background Checks – Expanding background checks can prevent firearm access for criminals and individuals with severe mental health conditions.
- Safe Storage Laws – Ensuring firearms are securely stored reduces accidental shootings and unauthorized access.
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) – Also known as red flag laws, these allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.
Community-Based Programs
- Violence Prevention Initiatives – Community programs that mediate conflicts, provide mentorship, and offer job opportunities help reduce gun violence in high-risk areas.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating communities on the dangers of gun violence encourages responsible firearm ownership and safer behaviors.
Individual Responsibility
- Safe Storage of Firearms – Guns should be locked, stored unloaded, and kept away from children.
- Firearm Safety Education – Owners should receive proper training on gun handling and storage.
- Mental Health Awareness – Recognizing warning signs of suicidal thoughts and seeking support can prevent firearm-related suicides.
Conclusion
Gunshot injuries remain a major issue in the United States, impacting thousands of individuals and families every year. Although firearm homicides have slightly declined, suicides and nonfatal injuries continue to rise.
The economic, social, and emotional consequences of gun-related injuries are devastating.