FACTORS AFFECTING DROWNING-RELATED MORTALITY OF ELDERLY FOREIGNERS ACCORDING TO AUTOPSY RESULTS

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to determine age-related factors associated with fatal drowning by analyzing the demographic data of drowning victims. In addition, we discuss possible measures to reduce drowning-associated deaths. Materials and Method: We retrospectively reviewed autopsy reports of foreign tourists, who died due to drowning, and then, whose autopsy and pathological sampling were carried out in Antalya Forensic Medicine Institution. The included cases were divided into two groups; Group I comprised cases who were 3 65 years at the time of death, and Group II comprised cases <65 years. The groups were compared with respect to demographic data, water source from which they were taken out, season, narcotics, alcohol level and presence of coronary artery diseases. Results: 48 of 89 cases that we included in the study account for Group I while the rest, 41 cases, account for Group II. Statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to nationality, season, water source from which they were taken out, alcohol levels and coronary artery diseases (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to gender, narcotics and BMI (p>0.05). Conclusion: We therefore recommend that people, particularly those with CAD, choose mornings and afternoons for swimming, thereby avoiding the midday hours in which temperature and humidity are high. Furthermore, they should not strain their effort capacity and should avoid imbibing alcoholic drinks before swimming.