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Drowning

This document discusses different types of drowning including dry drowning, shallow water drowning, and immersion syndrome. It provides details on the fresh water and salt water drowning processes and expected postmortem appearances such as washerwoman's hands and cadaveric spasm. Internally, ephysema aquosum is seen in conscious drowning victims while edema aquosum is seen in unconscious victims. Three tests for determining drowning are discussed - the diatom test, Gettler's test, and tests for serum magnesium and strontium levels. Limitations and indications for each test are provided.

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513 views

Drowning

This document discusses different types of drowning including dry drowning, shallow water drowning, and immersion syndrome. It provides details on the fresh water and salt water drowning processes and expected postmortem appearances such as washerwoman's hands and cadaveric spasm. Internally, ephysema aquosum is seen in conscious drowning victims while edema aquosum is seen in unconscious victims. Three tests for determining drowning are discussed - the diatom test, Gettler's test, and tests for serum magnesium and strontium levels. Limitations and indications for each test are provided.

Uploaded by

preethi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Bansdola

Burking
Drowning
Drowning
• Aspiration of fluid into airway
• Complete submersion is not necessary
Dry Drowning
Shallow Water Drowning
Immersion Syndrome/hydrocution
Secondary drowning/near drowning
Fresh Water (FP-4-5 min)
Salt water drowning (FP- 8-10 min)
External Postmortem appearance
Washerwoman’s hands
Cadaveric Spasm
Postmortem lividity
Froth
Internal PM Appearance
Ephysema aquosum
• Conscious person
• Crepitant and spongy lungs (air + water)
Edema aquosum
• Unconscious
• Airway filled with water (no air)
Tests
1. Diatom Test
Sign of ante-mortem hanging
-bone marrow
-brain
-spleen
-kidney
-liver
• Post-mortem drowning
Diatoms present only in lungs

Diatom test not useful in:


1. Dry drowning
2. hydrocution
2. Gettler’s test
• It compares the chloride concentration
between right and left side of the heart
 Normal - right = left
 Fresh WD – right > left
 Salt WD – right < left
Gettlers Test is not usefull in:
1. Dry drowning
2. Hydrocution
3. putrfaction
3. Serum magnesium
4. Serum strontium
Both are increased in sea water drowning

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