1. FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
DEATH BY DROWNING

2. DEATH BY DROWNING Caused by submersion in a liquid
Death due to asphyxia with water occluding the airways

3. DEATH BY DROWNING Dry Drowning Only a hypothesis Laryngeal spasm
Lungs have no edema
May form a plug of mucous and froth

4. DROWNING Physiology of Drowning Hold breath Involuntary inhalation
Build up of Carbon Dioxide
PCO2 = 55 mmHg
Involuntary inhalation
Water in lungs and/or stomach
Cerebral Hypoxia
3 – 60 min.
Depends on water temperature
Warm water 3-10 min
Cold Water up to 66 min

6. DROWNING Physiology Water washes out surfactant Alveolar collapse
Ventilation/perfusion mismatch

9. Post-mortem tissue consumption caused by small marine animals such as fish and crabs on the dorsal hand. The edges of the defect are typically scalloped.

10. Large marine life such as sharks and alligators may consume large amounts of tissue and leave sharp injuries in the soft tissue and/or bone. In this case it may be difficult to determine whether the injuries represent ante-mortem trauma or post-mortem artifacts.

11. DROWNING Water Temperature Cold Water “Goose Pimples”
Body’s metabolism slows
No need for oxygen to produce ATP

13. DROWNING Autopsy Findings Circumstances of Death Washerwoman hands
May be Suicide, Homicide, Accidental
Autopsy Inconclusive
Washerwoman hands
20 – 30 min.
White or hemorrhagic edema fluids
Pulmonary edema is non-specific

18. DROWNING Tests for Drowning Gettler Chloride Test
Levels less on right side of heart = drowned by saltwater
Levels less on left side of heart = drowned by freshwater
TEST DOES NOT WORK!!!

19. DROWNING Diatom tests Microscopic unicellular algae
5 to 500 μm in size
Silica skeleton
Inconclusive test
May be inhaled
May be ingested
May be aspirated in water

20. DROWNING Bathtubs Extremely uncommon May happen due to seizure in tub
Rarely homicide in adult, may occur in children

21. DROWNING Scuba Divers Rapid ascent Equipment failure Bends
Nitrogen Narcosis
Equipment failure