Death by drowning

Death caused by sub in liquid - Salt water - Fresh water

Cause of death - Asphyxia water occluding the airways - Electrolite disturbance or cardiac arhytmia, produced by large volumes of water entering the circulation through lungs

In fresh water drowning, large volume of water pass through alveola capillary interface & enter the circulation. No evidence that the increased in blood volume cause significant electrolite irregularities or hemodilysis

Dry Drowning
The lungs do not have the heavy, boggy and edematous apparance. Cerebral hypoxia is alleged to be caused by laryngeal spasm. Occur 10 -15 % of all drowning

Autopsy findings
No pathognomonic findings to indicated the diagnosis of drowning Washer womens hand/ sole The deceased has been in the water for more than 1 -2 hours. Goose flash Spasm of the erector pilae muscles/ rigor mortis

Autopsy findings
Hemorrhage edema fluid present in the nostrils, mouth & airways Pulmunory edema Non spesific Wet drowning lungs are large and bulky

Test of drowning
1. Gettler chloride test The blood was analysed from the right and left sides of the heart If the chloride levels was less on the right then on the left drowned in salt watter if the chloride level was elevated on the right side of the heart drowned in fresh water

Test of drowning
2. Identification of diatomes in the tissue of drowning victims. Diatomes are unicellular algae 3. Identification of sands, other materials in lungs (alveolaes).

Burn
Flame Contact Radiant heat Scolding Chemical Miomaves

Flame burns
Actual contact of body and flame with scorching of the skin progressife to drowning.

Contact burns
Physical contact between the body and at object Temperature0f 700 C and hightes forms epidermal necresi occurs in best the a seamd

Radiant heat
Caused by heat waves, a type of electromagnetic wave most radiant heat burns, the hain is intact.

Scolding burns
Caused by contact with heat liquids most cammonly water

Chemical burns
Ussualy caused by acid/ alkaline

Severity of burn
A. B. C. D. The severity of thermal injury depend on : The extent of the burned area The severity of the burn The victim of age The presence of inhalation injuries

A. The extent of the burned area

Determined by the rules of nine. The head is 9 % Upper extremities are each 9 % The front torso is 18 % The back is 18 % Each lower extremities is 18 % Perineum is 1 %

B. The severity of the burn

Can be described as : First degree (superficial burns) The skin is erythematous congested vessels in the dermis * Second degree burns - Partial thickness burns subdivided into : 1. Superficial 2. Deep

Second degree burns

1. Superficial Destruction of the striatum granulosum and cornium with the basal layer, not totally destroyed heals without scarring. 2. Deep Complete disruption of epidermis and destruction of most basal layer

Third degree burns

Coagulation necrosis of the epidermis and dermis with destruction of the dermal appendages scar

Fourth degree burns

Incinerating injuries extending deeper than the skin

Electruction
Manners of death * Accident * Suicides * Homocides

Mechanism of death
Amperage is the most important factor, currents between 75 100 mA caused ventricular fibrilation. Extremelly high currents 1A/ higher usually cause ventricular arrest. Paralysis of the muscles usually caused by low amperage electrocution asphyxia Paralysis of the respiratory center of the brain stemp caused by the hyperthermic effect of the current (high voltage current)

Autopsy findyngs
Electrical burns, could at the point of entry or the point of exit Accelerated onset of rigor mortis caused by the muscle contraction and depletion of ATP Bone fracture due to generalised muscular contraction High voltage current third degree burns Rhexiss of the heart muscle

Lightning
Death from lightning are caused by : 1. High voltage direct current cardiopulmonary arrest 2. Electrotermal injuries Pathonomonic finding for lightning injuries is the arborrescent mark, gradually of fades within 24 hours