Study of cases of drowning deaths in Cairo during 3-years period (2007-2009)

Abstract

Drowning can be defined as death caused by submersion in a liquid. The mechanism of death in acute drowning is irreversible cerebral anoxia. The original concept of drowning deaths was that they were asphyxia m nature, with water occluding the airways. Our study is a retrospective evaluation of collected data of drowning cases which dissected, and reported, in Zen hom mortuary, of medicolegal sector of ministry of justice, during the period, between (2007-2009). It showed that the incidence rate of drowning death is statistically higher between (II - 40) years old, which is higher in males, than females. Higher drowning percent occurred in River Nile, most occurred due to accidental drowning, and most occurred during hot months (4 up to 9), more than during cold months (10 up to 3). Drowning findings were detected in most cases, chemical investigation was done for all cases, DNA samples were taken from more than half of the studied cases and all results were informative, especially in those of unknown identity. This loss of healthy life demands the attention of policy makers from all sectors. The expansion of rescue services of drowning, developing rescue boats, and other materials is recommended.