Stray bullet injuries in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Background. A stray bullet injury is defined as an accidental firearm injury occurring outdoors by an anonymous attacker. Stray bullet injuries are rare, but not uncommon in certain parts of the world. In Pakistan, 165 patients with stray bullet injuries were recorded between 2006 and 2010. Objectives. In Lebanon, gunshots may occur during politicians’ speeches, funerals and after exam results are published. No studies to date have looked at the details and consequences of these gunshot injuries. Methods. A retrospective chart review of patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) in Beirut, Lebanon, from 2010 to 2015, with clear stray bullet injuries was conducted. Variables included: demographics, injured body part, admission to hospital, number of days in hospital, length of stay in the ED, mortality, past medical history, emergency severity index, and consequences of injury including surgery. Results. Out of 154 bullet injuries, 12 stray bullet injuries were recorded. Injuries of the lower extremity were most common, followed by the head, shoulder/thorax, abdomen/pelvis and upper extremity. Surgery was needed in 7 patients (58.3%). The median length of stay was 3.08 hours in the ED and 4.78 days in hospital. There were no recorded deaths. Consequences of each stray bullet injury are presented. Conclusion. Stray bullet injuries are commonly reported on in news and media outlets. This is the first study in Lebanon and the region to document cases of stray bullet injuries presenting to the ED. Better laws and educational policies need to be implemented to help discourage this practice.