Suicide With an Air Rifle, ,

We report the case of a 14-year-old boy who committed suicide with the use of an air rifle. We include a brief description of his clinical presentation and course, as well as radiography and autopsy findings. This case represents an uncommon mechanism of suicide with an instrument commonly possessed by adolescents and demonstrates the potential lethality of air rifles. Todayʹs air rifles employ one of three gas-compression systems: pneumatic, spring-air, or gas compression. They are capable of generating velocities between 200 and 770 feet/second, enabling pellets or BBs to penetrate skin, soft tissue, and bone. This case also highlights the need for preventive measures, including public education and legislation. [Pottker TI, Dowd MD, Howard J, DiGiulio G: Suicide with an air rifle. Ann Emerg Med June 1997;29:818-820.]