Deadly stays: A 10-year autopsy study of deaths in hotels in Antalya, Turkey.

The hotel industry is essential for travelers, for both touristic and business purposes. Deaths in hotel rooms, which can occur in various manners from various causes, can result in serious problems for the industry. This study evaluated 8137 autopsies performed by the Antalya Group Administration of the Turkish Council of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. All deaths occurred during a hotel accommodation and within hotel borders, including their respective beach areas, and those who collapsed during their hotel stay and died shortly afterward in a hospital or on their way to a hospital were included. A total of 900 cases were identified and ultimately included in this study. According to the autopsy reports, the decedents who died during their stays were from 42 different countries and had a mean age of 54.3 ± 18.55 years. Most decedents were from Russia (n = 251, 27.9%). The most common manner of death was natural causes (n = 552, 61.3%) followed by accidents (n = 284, 31.6%), suicides (n = 40, 4.4%), and homicides (n = 7, 0.8%). Existing cardiovascular diseases (n = 379, 42.1%) were the leading cause of death, followed by drowning in the sea (n = 116, 12.9%) or a pool (n = 58, 6.4%). Most of the causes of deaths identified within this study are preventable with timely intervention or resuscitation. Providing medical personnel 24/7 with adequate equipment in accommodation options, and enabling hotels to take appropriate measures may decrease preventable deaths and improve international travel.

Fatal Drowning Caused by A Swimming Pool Drainage System.

ABSTRACT: In swimming pools, malfunctions in the pool water drainage system can result with severe injuries, or even death, and mostly children are affected by these accidents. In this case report, the death scene and postmortem examination findings of a 12-year-old girl, who was trapped by her feet in the pool water drainage system, are reported. The external examination revealed ecchymotic areas with abrasions on both lower legs and both feet, suggesting suction of both feet through the uncovered pool drainage system opening. To prevent such accidents, safety practices related to the water circulation system should be developed in swimming pools and similar areas; children should be supervised at all times; and emergency medical teams, as well as lifeguards, should be available for immediate intervention.