Research Day
USE OF A BANG STICK FOR SUICIDE: A RARELY USED WEAPON
Document Type
Abstract
Date
2021
Abstract
Introduction: Suicide is a leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 10 and 54. Traditional firearms are the leading cause of suicide in men. An atypical firearm designed for direct contact firing in defense from sharks or hunting alligators called a "powerhead" or "bang stick" is rarely seen in suicidal cases. It features a short, non-rifled barrel only large enough to house the cartridge. The barrel is held away from the firing pin by a spring, which is depressed when the end of the barrel is jammed against the target.
Case Description: A 50-year-old man was found with powerhead type device, a projectile casing, and multiple departure notes. Upon autopsy, an anterior, midline entrance gunshot wound with appropriate internal beveling was observed on the frontal skull. Grey-black powdery discoloration was on the exterior bone surface, consistent with firearm discharge in direct contact with the barrel.
Conclusion: For suicidal individuals, safety planning provides sequential action steps designed to survive suicidal crises. In addition, the individual's environment is made safer by removing likely means of suicide. Bang stick devices may not be considered in safety planning, especially in the Northern United States where they are rare. Bang sticks are readily available online, and are not subject to federal firearm laws if fixed to a long shaft by the manufacturer. This case serves to increase awareness of bang sticks as a deadly weapon and emphasizes the importance of their inclusion in safety planning interventions with at-risk individuals.