Citation

Hsee L, Civil I. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2008; 121(1287): 21-25.

Affiliation

Trauma Services, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. lchsee@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19098963

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review gunshot injuries treated in Auckland City Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand) over 12 years (1995-2006) and to determine their intent, incidence, presentation, severity of injuries, and outcome. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with gunshot wounds (GSW) identified from the Auckland City Hospital Trauma registry over the 12-year period 1995-2006. RESULTS: A cohort of 56 patients was identified. The majority of patients were male (91%). Fifty-two percent of patients suffered accidental injuries. The average age of the victims was 32. In the final outcome, 4 (7%) patients died, all due to GSW to the head, while all others were discharged alive. CONCLUSION: Gunshot injury is not a common presentation to Auckland City Hospital, the largest metropolitan hospital in New Zealand. Despite the small number of patients presented, the overall outcomes remain acceptable.

Language: en