An investigation of the pattern of firearms fatalities before and after the introduction of new legislation in Denmark.

All firearms fatalities in East Denmark during the period 1984-1987 were examined. There were 276 cases or 3.0 per 100,000 living inhabitants. The majority were suicides (80%) and by far the majority of these were men. There were only four accidents, two of which were the results of 'Russian roulette'. There were no hunting accidents. No specific decrease could be demonstrated in the number of fatal cases with shot guns, but possibly a general preventive effect. When compared with previous Danish investigations an increase in the total number of suicides with firearms was found in the period examined, whereas an increase was found in the total as well as the relative number of homicides. More information and further endeavours to limit the number of firearms in the population is recommended.