Abstract :
Background: Burn injuries are the second major cause of trauma-related deaths only exceeded by motor vehicular accidents, both in the developing and developed world. Burn due to flame or fire is common in this region.
Aims: To find out epidemiological patterns and cause of death in the flame burn as data on it is not available even though the most common cause of burn in this region.
Settings and Design: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh from 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015.
Methods and Materials: A total of 224 cases died of flame burn brought for autopsy were taken for study. A thorough post-mortem examination was done on every case following standard procedure. Data were recorded in the proforma especially prepared for this purpose.
Results: Out of 1436 medico-legal deaths, 224 (15.60%) was due to flame burn. The majority of victims were female 186 (83.03%), married, and belong to 21-30 years of age group. Victims were mostly from rural areas, unemployed, and literates. Kitchen 129 (57.60%) was the main place of occurrence. The majority suffered more than 80% burns of TBSA and died within 24 hours 92 (41.07%). The hypovolemic shock was the most common cause of death.
Conclusions: Until the economic condition is improved and lifestyle changes among the people, the firerelated problem must rise in countries like India.
Key Messages: Young age groups and unemployed were most among victims. Burn incidents decrease with increasing education level. Economic improvement and change of lifestyles will help in reducing burn-related problems.
Keyword :
Burn, Flame, Fire, Kerosene, Accident, Suicide, Hypovolemic shock.