SUICIDAL GUNSHOT WOUNDS

Suicidal gunshot wounds were reviewed for a 6 year and 6 month period with respect to age, sex, type of firearm, anatomical location of the entrance wound, alcohol use, location of the event and the presence of a suicide note. There was a total of 64 suicidal gunshot wounds, the majority of which were found in males. The most frequently used firearm was a shotgun, and the entrance wound was typically the head, the mouth being the most common although the exact location varied with the type of weapon used. Concomitant alcohol use was higher than in the overall suicide population. Most victims committed suicide in or around their dwelling and the majority failed to leave a suicide note.