The objective of FISP is to develop and evaluate methods for the surveillance of serious firearm injuries and risk factors. The program is based on several data sources: death records, homicide data, hospital discharge data, and behavioral risk factor surveys. The primary program participant is the California Department of Health Services, Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch. An evaluation of FISP indicated that firearm injuries constituted the leading cause of death among children as young as 13 years of age. In 1994, more than 13,000 California residents died or were hospitalized due to firearm injuries. Except among whites, most of the serious injuries resulted from assaults. The predominance of handguns as murder weapons increased over time and was more marked among young and minority victims. Despite the limitations inherent in passive surveillance, the authors believe that FISP provides the data needed to formulate policies and to prevent firearm injuries. They also indicate, however, that FISP lacks flexibility, timeliness, and detail. 7 references and 4 tables