Firearm Safety Resources

Education

Firearms: Screening, Suicide Prevention, Community Engagement

In 2020, 42% of U.S. households reported owning a firearm. While access to firearms is associated with increased risk for injury and death, safe firearm storage is associated with decreased risk. Clinicians need information on how to appropriately screen for self-harm or harm to others by firearms when talking to their patients about guns and gun safety. When a patient answers positively about a gun in the home and expresses concerns about themselves or those with whom they live, clinicians must know how to advise, direct, and refer. Primary care physicians are often the de facto mental health professional and must address patients with concerns about suicidal ideation by loved ones. Having relationships in the community and knowledge of resources expands the scope of care for patients and their families and friends. This program will provide insight and solid solutions for caring for patients while addressing firearm safety.

This free, online CME program is available here.

Protecting Patients and Preventing Harm: ERPOs as a Clinical Too

In a staggering 32% of shootings in the United States where four or more people were killed, the shooter exhibited at least one warning sign beforehand. Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws are designed to precisely address these scenarios by temporarily restricting access to firearms for individuals who may be in crisis or who have made threats of harm to themselves or others. This program emphasizes the critical role clinicians can play in identifying warning signs and filing ERPOs as a clinically informed, life-saving intervention. Participate to learn about the state’s ERPO laws and enhance your readiness to appropriately and effectively use an ERPO as a clinical tool. Be sure to check out the ERPO Reference Pocket Card which serves as a valuable resource for your patients and their families.

This free, online CME program is available here. 

Additional Educational Resources

• Reducing Harm – Having Conversations about Firearm Storage
• Improving Trauma-Informed Care in the Face of Firearm Violence
• Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, offered by Zero Suicide, is a two-hour course taken at one’s own pace for mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and others on how work with those at risk for suicide and their families to reduce access.

Relevant Articles

• This is Awkward - Promoting Clinic Discussions and Evaluation of Gun Ownership Practices and Individual Risk

Printable Materials

The fliers below provide information on firearm safety for physicians and other healthcare experts and for patients.

• Printable Firearms Patient Information
• Printable Firearms Provider Information
• ERPO Reference Pocket Card
  

Video

Dr. Michael Hirsh underscores why physicians should be prepared to counsel patients about firearm safety.

Additional Information and Resources

Firearm Safety Organizations and Initiatives

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Firearm Safety Screening Tools

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Firearms Violence

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Violence Intervention and Prevention

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