TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) has set out a manifesto to halt “senseless” firearm violence and injury, according to a statement published online Aug. 8 in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open.
The association recognizes that firearm violence results from a complex interaction of firearm access, behavioral health, and a culture tolerant of aggression. The group lays out 14 steps to be taken by the federal government and professional bodies to protect the nation from the public health issue of firearm violence.
The 14 recommendations include strengthening the criminal record checks system; applying these checks to all firearm sales; standardizing the waiting period between gun purchase and delivery; promoting responsible firearm ownership with safety training; strictly regulating the sale of semi-automatic weapons, booster accessories, and high volume ammunition; reporting all firearm sales to the appropriate agency; obliging gun owners to report lost or stolen weapons to the police; and removing firearms from those accused of domestic violence and those threatening violence until their cases have been resolved.
“The AAST recognizes that firearm ownership is a constitutionally protected right; however, we think it is imperative that we work together to make our population safe from injury due to firearm violence,” according to the statement. “These actions, while not definitive, are a start toward a safer, stronger, and more united America.”
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