The Cribsiders S6 Ep142: Handle With Care: Firearm Safety in the Pediatric Population
May 21, 2025
Dr. Noé Romo, a pediatric hospitalist and expert in violence intervention, discusses the critical issue of firearm safety for children. He highlights the alarming rise in injuries post-COVID-19 and the need for compassionate, tailored screening in medical visits. Romo emphasizes the importance of safe storage practices and a multidisciplinary approach, involving community outreach workers and social services, to effectively mitigate risks. He also shares insights from his own career and the transformative power of community-based initiatives in promoting safety.
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Marathon Injury Resilience
- Dr. Noé Romo shared a story about running the Chicago Marathon with a hamstring injury.
- He learned to adjust his goals and finish despite obstacles, illustrating resilience and flexibility.
Firearms Leading Cause of Child Death
- Firearm-related injury is now the leading cause of death for children in the US as of 2021.
- COVID-19 and socio-economic factors caused a significant rise in firearm injuries among youths, especially ages 15-19.
Normalize Firearm Safety Screening
- Normalize firearm safety questions by incorporating them into general injury prevention during well-child visits.
- Use universal screening and respect population differences for open discussions and effective counseling.