Developing a method for harm reduction of firearms by universal screening and providing safe storage tools in the pediatric emergency department

Pediatric firearm injury and death remain critical public health concerns in the United States, with many incidents involving unsecured firearms in the home. Most emergency department (ED) interventions target patients with high-risk mental health presentations, potentially missing other at-risk families. This prospective study evaluates a universal firearm screening and harm reduction intervention in a pediatric ED, offering education and no-to-low-cost storage devices to caregivers regardless of chief complaint. Follow-up at three months assesses device use, satisfaction, and sustained storage practices, informing scalable strategies to promote safer firearm storage.