Carboxyhemoglobin blood concentrations in suicides by fire

A total of 21 suicides by fire (16 males and 5 females) were investigated. In at least 18 of the 21 cases, flammable liquids were used as accelerants leading to severe and extensive burns. The determination of carboxyhemoglobin concentrations revealed comparatively low levels of between 3 and 30 per cent in suicides committed in the open whereas four out of five deceased found dead in gutted cars showed carbon monoxide saturations ranging from 34 to 87 per cent. In 18 cases (86%) soot was detectable in the airways even in cases with slightly elevated carboxyhemoglobin concentrations, indicating the importance of a careful examination of the airways at autopsy for the detection of vital signs.