Haridas S V

Abstract

Introduction: Drowning is one of the forms of violent asphyxial death due to aspiration of fluid into air-passages, caused by submersion in water or other fluid. Fatal drowning cases are subjected to medicolegal autopsy. During autopsy, many times the findings are nonspecific and hence the diagnosis of drowning rests on combination of circumstantial evidences and autopsy findings. The purpose of this study is to analyze socio-demographic factors of drowning deaths in rural region and to suggest the preventive measures. Materials and Methods: It is a five-year retrospective autopsy based study carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Government Medical College and Hospital, Ambajogai Dist. Beed, Maharashtra, India from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 to study the various socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, seasonal distribution, education, marital status and residence in drowning deaths. Results: Predominance of males was seen i.e. 50 cases (58.8%). Age group 11-20 years was the most commonly involved i.e. 20 cases (23.5%). Maximum deaths were reported from well/pond 37 cases (43.5%). Least deaths (2.4%) were observed in post graduates. Maximum deceased were living in rural region i.e. 62 cases (72.9%). Conclusion: Drowning deaths are commonly encountered in autopsy practice.It was seen commonly in males and in age group 11-30 years, in summer season and in well/pond. Students were more commonly involved. Maximum deceased were married and belonged to rural region. Proper safety precautions and water safety education can decrease incidence of accidental drowning. Keywords: Drowning, Socio-demographic profile, Rural region.

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Abstract

Accident is “An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.” With the rise in global urbanization and motorization, vehicular accidents induced injuries have become major worldwide public health problems. The Prospective study of fatal vehicular accidents was carried out at Rural Medical College and Hospital in Maharashtra during the period of May 2016 to April 2020. Total 216 cases were studied. Age group 51-60 years (20.4%) was most commonly affected. Males were more affected than females with male: female ratio of 8.8:1. Maximum deaths were  found in illiterate (30.6%) and were laborers and students by occupation. Maximum (32.4%) mishaps occurred on national highways. Majority (38%) of the fatal vehicular accidents occurred in evening hours. Most common category of victim was Motor Cycle Rider (35.2%), followed by pedestrians (30.6%). Keeping in view the results of this study, multi factorial approach is needed to prevent vehicular accidents and to minimize their consequences. Keywords: fatal vehicular accidents rural region epidemiology.

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Abstract

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with strong pungent smell. Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde containing 37-40% formaldehyde and 10-15% methanol. Commercially available formalin is a 1:10 dilution containing 3.7% of formaldehyde. Suicidal ingestion of formalin is rare as it has strong taste and suffocating odour, also the common people does not have an easy access to it. That is why suicidal cases by formalin consumption are rare. We herewith present a case report of a 45-year old farmer who committed suicide by formalin consumption. Keywords: Formalin, Suicide, Farmer.

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Introduction: Sudden deaths in apparently healthy persons might raise doubt of foul play. Hence medico-legal autopsy in such cases is needed to satisfy the aggrieved relatives and it also gives a systemic view of various causes of deaths in such cases which ultimately improve mortality statistics. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of sudden natural death cases which were brought for medico-legal autopsy at Rural Govt. Medical College & Hospital during the three year period was studied. The data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: The incidence of sudden natural death is 16.01%. Most common age group involved was 41-50 years followed by 31-40 years. Male predominance (77.42%) was noted. Most commonly affected system was cardiovascular system (53%) followed by respiratory system (33.64%). Among the cardiovascular system causes Coronary artery disease was accounted in 88.7% of cases. Among the respiratory system causes pneumonia was predominant with 50.69% cases. Conclusion: The incidence of sudden natural death is 16.01%. Males having age 41-50 years are most commonly affected. Cardiovascular diseases contribute to most of the sudden natural deaths of which Coronary artery disease is the leading cause. Increased awareness with regular health checkups is needed among the population at risk so as to improve quality of life. Keywords: Sudden natural deaths, Medico-legal autopsy, Cardio-vascular system

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