Medical Professionals Train at Gun Range to Address Firearm Safety with Patients

In early 2023, medical professionals in Wisconsin embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to enhance their understanding of firearms and promote better safety practices. Dr. James Bigham, a primary care doctor and respected professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, recognized the urgent need for medical practitioners to have informed discussions about firearms with their patients. To address this gap in knowledge, Dr. Bigham established a comprehensive training program at Max Creek Gun Range. The initiative, which was conducted in collaboration with gun owner Steve D'Orazio, aimed to equip medical students and staff with essential knowledge about firearm safety and responsible ownership.

Medical Encounters Redefined

Dr. Bigham's approach to patient care has evolved significantly since integrating discussions about firearm safety into routine medical visits. During consultations, he routinely engages patients in conversations about the secure storage of firearms in their homes. His proactive stance on this issue reflects his commitment to safeguarding children and communities from avoidable firearm-related incidents. Contrary to any reservations about the appropriateness of physicians addressing this topic, Dr. Bigham confidently asserts that firearm safety falls within the purview of primary care practitioners. He draws a parallel between counseling on other behavioral aspects such as alcohol consumption and the need to address firearms as a critical aspect of wellness.

A Balanced Perspective

Steve D'Orazio, a staunch advocate for responsible gun ownership, emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the right to bear arms and the imperative of promoting safety. He echoes Dr. Bigham's sentiments by underlining that the focus isn't on diminishing gun rights but rather on fostering a culture of responsible firearm usage. Citing sobering statistics from the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, D'Orazio underscores the pressing need for comprehensive firearm safety measures. The alarming data reveals a high incidence of accidental shootings and an unprecedented surge in firearm-related suicides.

Pediatric Concerns and Preventive Measures

Of particular concern is the vulnerability of children to the dangers posed by accessible firearms at home. Reports indicate that millions of children reside in households with guns, heightening the risk of tragic accidents. Pediatricians at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have intensified efforts to integrate inquiries about secure gun storage into routine pediatric consultations. Their proactive approach underscores the gravity of firearm safety, which they equate to standard safety inquiries about bike helmets and pool safety. This nuanced approach aligns with the hospital's commitment to providing gun locks to families, with the aim of distributing 3,000 locks to date. Emphasizing the importance of gun safes as the most effective means of securing firearms, the hospital is poised to offer these safety fixtures to patients in the near future.

Charting a Path Forward

Dr. Dorothy Novick, instrumental in shaping the discourse on firearm safety, emphasizes the imperative of integrating discussions about firearms into broader injury prevention and safety counseling efforts. Her forward-looking approach seeks to demystify the discourse around firearm safety and embed it as a normalized aspect of medical consultations. The hospital's proactive measures, including the distribution of gun locks and plans to offer gun safes, are emblematic of a concerted effort to mitigate the heightened risks posed by the surge in firearm purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Unified Stance on Firearm Safety

Amid escalating concerns about gun violence and the surge in firearm-related incidents, Dr. Bigham, Steve D'Orazio, and medical professionals at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are united in their commitment to advancing the cause of firearm safety. Their pioneering efforts serve as a testament to the vital role of medical practitioners in promoting responsible firearm ownership and safeguarding communities from avoidable tragedies.