BODIES IN WATER

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to drowning and bodies found in water, focusing on risk factors, postmortem changes, autopsy findings, and physiological effects associated with drowning.

Cerebral Anoxia

Death is primarily due to lack of oxygen reaching the brain caused by asphyxiation when drowning occurs.

Risk Factors

Circumstances that increase the likelihood of drowning, including human and environmental factors.

Adipocere Formation

Body tissue may transform into a thick, grayish, soap-like greasy substance as it breaks down.

Postmortem Changes

Physiological changes that occur in a body after death, especially when submerged in water. Some things that occur ..

• In cold water, the rate of decomposition slows, but accelerates once the body is removed from water.

• Adipocere Formation

• Currents may cause bodies to be dragged along the bottom, resulting in traumatic injuries.

• Over time, algae growth can develop.

• Extended immersion in water can lead to the degloving of the epidermis, exposing underlying tissues (outer skin starts coming off)

Autopsy Findings in Drowning Cases

• No unique pathological findings confirm drowning.

• Diagnosis is reliant on circumstances of death and non-specific anatomical findings.

Why is autopsy is needed for drowning cases?

• Diagnosis of drowning should not be done without an autopsy. Autopsy is essential for an accurate drowning diagnosis; typical findings include

  • Pulmonary edema (excess fluid in lungs)

  • Pleural effusions (fluid in pleural cavity)

  • Presence of water in the stomach.

Dry Drowning

A type of drowning where water does not enter the lungs, accounting for 10-15% of drowning deaths.

Temperature & Survival in Cold Water

Death typically occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 86°F (30°C).

Epidermis Degloving

A postmortem change where the outer layer of skin separates from the underlying tissue due to immersion.

Marine Life

Aquatic organisms that may pose hazards for individuals in the water and influence drowning incidents. Most common activity from fish and crabs occurs in initially exposed areas of the body (eyelids, lips, ears, nose).

Drowning Statistics:

• 4,508 drowning deaths reported in the U.S. in 2017.

• Children under 10 years account for 1 in 6 of all drowning incidents.

• The most vulnerable age group, children under 1 year, are more prone to drown in bathtubs.

• Males represent approximately 75% of all drowning fatalities.

Human Risk Factors for Drowning

• Mental health issues, pre-existing medical conditions, substance abuse (alcohol/drugs), and swimming ability all elevate risk.

Environmental Risk Factors for Drowning

Dangerous water currents, water temperatures, electrical hazards, equipment failure, and the presence of marine life can increase drowning risks.

Average survival time in freezing water?

30 minutes

Cold Water Immersion Causes What?

• Initial responses include an increase in heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) followed by a subsequent decrease.

• Immersion leads to decreased muscle strength and central nervous system (CNS) impairments, causing reduced coordination and disorientation.

Investigation Considerations

• Key questions during investigation include:

  • Was the individual alive when they went into the water?

  • What circumstances led the victim to be in a drowning risk situation?

    • Why was the victim in a situation that put him or jer at risk for drowning?

  • What factors contributed to the victim’s inability to escape unharmed?

    • Why was the victim not able to survive in the water and get out unharmed?