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Carboxyhemoglobin blood concentrations in suicides by fire
P Betz1, G Roider, L von Meyer
1Department of Legal Medicine, University of Eriangen, Germany.
Medicine, Science, and the Law
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Fire suicides often involve accelerants causing extensive burns. Autopsy examination of airways is crucial for detecting vital signs, even with low carboxyhemoglobin levels.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Suicides by fire present unique forensic challenges.
- Flammable liquids are commonly used accelerants in fire-related deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of suicides by fire.
- To evaluate the utility of carboxyhemoglobin levels and airway examination in determining vital signs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 21 suicide by fire cases.
- Determination of carboxyhemoglobin concentrations.
- Examination of airways for soot presence.
Main Results:
- 21 cases investigated (16 males, 5 females).
- Flammable liquids used in at least 18 cases, causing severe burns.
- Low carboxyhemoglobin (3-30%) in open-air suicides; high (34-87%) in car fires.
- Soot detected in airways in 86% of cases, regardless of carboxyhemoglobin levels.
Conclusions:
- Airway soot detection is a vital indicator in fire suicides.
- Autopsy examination of airways is critical for identifying vital signs in fire-related deaths.
- Distinguishing between open-air and enclosed space fire suicides is important for interpreting toxicological findings.