Medico-legal evaluation of cases aged 65 and over who applied to Karadeniz technical university farabi hospital emergency service due to firearm injury between 2010-2022

Introduction and Objective: Both in our country and globally, the elderly population is increasing, and demographic projections indicate that the aging of the population will continue. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in injuries and fatalities due to firearm-related incidents in our country. In our study, we examined cases of individuals aged 65 and above who presented to the Emergency Department of KTU Farabi Hospital between 2010 and 2022 due to firearm injuries, analyzing various parameters. Through our study on elderly individuals, we aimed to compare findings with studies conducted in other regions of our country and globally, investigate potential differences, and understand the reasons behind these disparities, while also striving to raise awareness about firearm-related injuries. Material and Method: The structure of our study is cross-sectional and descriptive in nature. It was conducted by retrospectively reviewing electronic and physical medical records of patients aged 65 and over who presented to the Emergency Department of KTU Farabi Hospital between 2010 and 2022 as a result of firearm injuries. Results: A total of 50 cases aged 65 and above presented due to firearm injuries were identified. Looking at the age distribution of the cases, it was observed that 60% were in the 65-74 age range, 30% were in the 75-84 age range, and 10% were in the 85 and above age range. Among these cases, 88% were male, and 12% were female. Examining the origin of the injuries, it was found that 34% were accidents, followed by 30% being homicides. Analyzing the locations where the injuries occurred, it was noted that the majority of cases (46%) were from rural areas (villages/towns), and 44% of the injuries occurred during the summer season. Regarding the type of firearms used, handguns accounted for 50% of the cases, and 68% of the cases exhibited a single entry wound. When examining the distribution of wounds on the body, it was determined that the highest proportion, 32%, occurred on the lower extremities. Conclusion: Injuries and fatalities resulting from firearm incidents constitute a significant problem both worldwide and in our country, concurrently representing a substantial public health issue. We believe that regular inspections aimed at reducing unlicensed and illegal individual firearm possession, the implementation of regulatory measures in the legal framework to make firearm acquisition and carrying more restrictive, public awareness campaigns, deterrent penalties for offenders, and educational initiatives can have a mitigating effect on injuries and fatalities caused by firearms. Key Words: Firearm Injury, Elderly, Firearm, Forensic Medicine