Firearm injuries are a serious public health problem. In 2020, according to the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC) there were 45,222 firearm-related deaths in the United States. However, more people are affected by firearm-related injuries than die each year.
In 2020, Utah had 650 firearm-related injuries, a 47% increase over 2019. 375 were unintentional injuries, 60 intentional injuries, and 51 assaults. During 2021, Utah saw a 14% decrease in firearm-related injuries. 276 unintentional, 60 intentional, and 49 assaults. One constant we continue to see is that over 80% of all Utah firearm-related injuries are males between the aged 15-44.
Our approach to firearm unintentional injuries and deaths is centered on the idea of prevention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
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There is no one-size-fits-all solution to reducing gun deaths and injuries. A simple preventative approach we recommend to those who handle guns is to follow the 4 universal rules of firearm safety.
- Treat all firearms as if they are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
Another responsible action to take to reduce firearm injury is to keep your firearms unloaded and locked when not in use. The National Rifle Association (NRA) recommends that firearms be stored unloaded and locked away until you want to use them. Keep your ammunition in a locked safe that is separate from your gun safe. Storing ammunition away from your guns will lower the risk of your child or other family members putting the ammunition into the gun.