SRS17 - A demographic analysis of gunshot injuries at a UK major trauma centre

Abstract Introduction Gunshot injuries represent a complex form of trauma and are associated with high morbidity and resource demand. This study aimed to characterise the demographic and clinical profiles of patients presenting with gunshot wounds to a major trauma centre and identify factors associated with mortality and length of stay (LOS). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 135 patients with confirmed gunshot injuries presenting to a major trauma hospital from 2019–2025. Data were extracted from a trauma registry including demographics, injury characteristics, ITU admission, and outcomes. Fisher’s Exact Test and Mann-Whitney U Test analysed associations with mortality and LOS. Results The cohort (n = 135) was predominantly male (89.6%, n = 121), with a mean age of 28.2 years (SD 12.3, n = 96). Common injuries included limb (32.6%, n = 44), chest (27.4%, n = 37), and abdominal (22.2%, n = 30) trauma. Mortality was 3.7% (n = 5). Head injuries (8.1%, n = 11, P = 0.0001) and chest injuries (27.4%, n = 37, P = 0.0199) were significantly associated with mortality. ICU admission (n = 21, P = 0.016) and abdominal (P = 0.0146) and pelvic injuries (P = 0.0441) were significantly associated with prolonged LOS. Conclusions Gunshot trauma primarily affects young males and often involves limb and thoracoabdominal injuries. Mortality is significantly associated with head and chest trauma. ICU admission and abdominal, pelvic, and vascular injuries were significantly associated with increased LOS. These findings can inform trauma protocol optimisation