A Profile of Firearm Related Autopsy Cases at Bahawalpur – A City Of Southern Punjab
Syed Hamid Anwar, Ahmed Raza Khurram, Talha Naeem Cheema, Tehreem Abaid, Hira Anjum
DOI: http://doi.org/10.63139/aqamc.v2i1.0008
Keywords: Firearms, Autopsy, Gunshot Wounds, Forensic Medicine, Mortality Trends
Abstract:
Introduction: Firearm-related deaths are a major forensic and public health concern, particularly in regions with high gun violence. Understanding demographics, weapon types, and injury patterns is essential for prevention and policy-making
Objective: To analyze the demographic distribution, firearm types, and injury patterns in firearm-related death
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College (QAMC), Bahawalpur, covering a period of two years. Forty-seven cases, all firearm-related deaths, were examined postmortem. Selection was based on police records (FIRs) confirming firearm involvement. Cases with mutilated, putrefied bodies or ambiguous causative weapons were excluded. Data were collected through structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0
Results: A total number of 47 cases were evaluated. Males were the predominant gender (66%), and an urban population (70.2%) with rifled firearm proclivity (78.7%) was observed. Fatal injury to the head and neck (40.4%) was the most common site of body injury
Conclusion: Firearm-related fatalities in Bahawalpur predominantly involve young males in urban areas, with head and neck injuries being the most frequent. Strengthening firearm regulations, enhancing forensic investigations, and improving emergency trauma care are crucial to reducing these deaths. A coordinated effort between law enforcement, forensic experts, and healthcare professionals is necessary to mitigate firearm-related mortality. forensic experts, and healthcare professionals is necessary to mitigate firearm-related mortality
Keywords: Firearms, Autopsy, Gunshot Wounds, Forensic Medicine, Mortality Trends