Chapter 10: Drowning and Injury by Water

Flashcards about drowning and injury by water.

Drowning

The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid.

Submersion

Usually followed by a panicky struggle to reach the surface in drowning cases.

Asphyxia

True asphyxia occurs in a small percentage (10-12%) of drowning deaths.

Saltwater Drowning

More closely resembles an asphyxia type of death compared to freshwater drownings.

Drowning Epidemiology (CDC)

Reports an average of 3,500 drownings annually in the US.

Drowning Epidemiology (WHO)

Reports an average of 372,000 drownings annually worldwide.

Drowning in Children

The second most common cause of death for children aged one month to 14 years, behind motor vehicle accidents.

Leading Cause of Death (Males)

Drowning is the leading cause of death worldwide for males aged 5 to 14.

Preschool Drowning Locations

60 to 90 percent of drownings in the preschool age group occur in backyard or community pools.

Importance of Cooperation

Cooperation between a pathologist and police is essential when investigating a recovered body from water.

Nonaccidental drownings

An estimated five to 10 percent are suicides

Homicidal drownings

Rare and typically involve the elderly or young children as a component of child abuse.

Body in Fresh Water

Will typically sink unless trapped air in the clothing keeps it afloat.

Body in Saltwater

More likely to remain on the surface or float at variable levels beneath the surface, depending on fat content.

Resurfacing Time

The time needed until a body resurfaces usually depends on the temperature of the water.

Putrefaction Rate in Water

Proceeds at a slower rate than in air.

Putrefaction Rule of Thumb

One week in air equals two weeks in water equals eight weeks on the ground.

Adipocere

A condition in which the tissues of the body are degraded to thick, gray soap-like substances, associated with bodies submerged for several months.

Postmortem Marine Life Activity

Will often manifest as injuries involving the eyelids, lips, tip of the nose, and earlobes.

External Autopsy Findings (Drowning)

May include the presence of mud and aquatic debris within the mouth or in the nares and the wrinkles of the hands/feet.

Skin Slippage

Another name of this is Epidermal sloughing.

Foam Around Nose and Mouth

Produced in the lungs due to protein mixed with water and air in drowning victims.

Lung Weight in Drowning

Lungs will be voluminous and weights may exceed 1000 grams each.

Cold Water Heat Loss

Body loses heat more rapidly in cold water than in air.

Normal Body Temperature

98.6 F.

Mild Hypothermia Temperature

Core temperature between 91.4 – 95 F, associated with shivering, increased heart rate, and loss of coordination.

Moderate Hypothermia Temperature

Core temperature between 86 – 91.4 F, leading to slowed respiration and heart rate, and reduced blood pressure.

Severe Hypothermia Temperature

Core temperature below 86 F, possibly resulting in cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation.

70 F to 80 F Water Survival Time

3 Hours to Indefinitely.

60 F to 80 F Water Survival Time

2 to 4 hours.