ABSTRACT

Firearm injuries are an important reason for presentation to an emergency department. The types of injuries are related to the anatomic region of injury. Although facial firearm injuries often are only seen on autopsy, some patients survive. In this retrospective chart review, we collected data from charts of patients in our Department of Forensic Medicine who survived a facial firearm injury: life threat, malfunction of sensory organs, facial scarring.

Between 2000 and 2005, 29 patients with facial firearm injury presented to the Department of Forensic Medicine of Gaziantep University for a forensic report evaluation. Of these, 86% were male, and the mean age 23 years old (range 15-36 years). Most (69%) were from our province, whereas 31% were from surrounding provinces. In Gaziantep, facial firearm injuries make up a significant portion of forensic cases, and have been increasing in the recent years. Simple and early medical interventions, careful patient follow-up, good record-keeping and cooperation between healthcare providers have helped to improve care of these patients.