DROWNING
Submersion of the body in water or other fluid medium wherein air is prevented to enter through external nares. Death may be due to asphyxia, shock, concussions, apoplexy and exhaustion.
POSTMORTEM FINDINGS
i. Water soaked appearance-skin showing corrugated appearance.
ii. External injuries due to struggling prior to death.
iii. Air passage and stomach filled with plant algae and other debris seen in water
iv. Lungs edematous, distended with fluid.
v. Whitish frothy exudate in trachea, larynx
LIGHTNING
Exposure of body to lightning or discharges of atmospheric electricity in the open field, under large trees or poles during thunderstorms. Ascertain whether there was thunderstorm in that locality and evidences if any, like damage to structures like sheds, houses, trees etc. Death may be due to syncope, coma, or due to burn injuries.
POSTMORTEM FINDINGS
i. Laceration and extensive hemorrhage to brain.
II. Laceration and hemorrhage in meninges.
III. Superficial burn injuries including singeing of hair, blisters and charring.
IV. Subcutis showing arborescent markings.
ELECTROCUTION
Exposure of the body to electro shock either to alternate current or direct currents. The severity of electric shock depends upon resistance of the body, voltage and duration of contact with electric current. Alternative current is more dangerous, because it is generated at high tension than direct current. Death may result due to syncope or asphyxia.
POSTMORTEM FINDINGS
i. Pupils dilated
ii. Burns on the skin at the point of entry and exit of electric current
iii. Lungs edematous
iv. Petechiae on pleurae, pericardium, endo cardium and meninges.
SNAKE BITE
Death may be due to coma, syncope or asphyxia depending on the nature of snake venom inject into the body.
POSTMORTEM FINDINGS
I. Swelling at the site of bite with fang marks
II. Subcutaneous collection of blood tinged exudates.
III. Visceral organs, showing congestion
IV. Gas gangrene-occasionally seen.