drowning

1. Introduction
• Definition: Death by asphyxia due to
immersion.
• WHO: Respiratory impairment from
submersion.
• Importance: Common in forensic practice.

2. Classification of Drowning
• 1. Typical (Wet)
• 2. Dry Drowning
• 3. Immersion Syndrome
• 4. Near Drowning
• 5. Secondary Drowning
• 6. Delayed Drowning

3. Pathophysiology
• Fresh Water: Hemodilution, hemolysis, VF.
• Salt Water: Pulmonary edema, hypovolemia.
• Both: Asphyxia and hypoxia.

4. External Findings
• 1. Washerwoman's Skin
• 2. White Froth
• 3. Cutis Anserina
• 4. Cadaveric Spasm
• 5. External Injuries

5. Internal Findings
• 1. Emphysema Aquosum
• 2. Paltauf's Spots
• 3. Water in stomach
• 4. Water in sinuses/middle ear
• 5. Heart chamber differences

6. Special Tests
• 1. Gettler Test: Chloride difference
• 2. Diatom Test: Algae in organs
• 3. Hydrostatic Test: Neonatal lungs

7. Medico-Legal Importance
• Cause, manner, and time of death.
• Differentiate from postmortem immersion.
• Correlate with scene findings.

8. Case Example
• 28-year-old male in pond.
• Findings: Froth, wrinkling, Paltauf's spots.
• Conclusion: Ante-mortem drowning.

9. Summary
• Understand types and features.
• Autopsy and scene correlation.
• Use of special tests in diagnosis.

10. Mechanism of Drowning - Diagram