Deaths due to tired bullet injuries: Evaluation from medical, legal, and social perspectives.

BACKGROUND: In Türkiye, as in other parts of the world, there is a rising trend in individual armament and firearm violence, resembling an epidemic. When fired into the air, bullets eventually lose the initial speed with which they left the barrel and begin to accelerate downwards under the influence of gravity as they fall to the ground. At this point, these projectiles are referred to as 'tired bullets,' which cause serious injuries and fatalities. This study evaluates autopsy cases of deaths due to tired bullet injuries. We aimed to raise social awareness and contribute to the literature by exploring the forensic, legal, and social dimensions of tired bullet injuries. METHODS: From 2013 to 2022, 695 forensic autopsies of gunshot wounds were reviewed at the Trabzon Forensic Medicine Group Presidency. Nine cases were identified where individuals had undergone autopsies and the cause of death was attributed to tired bullet injuries. The data for the cases included in the study was sourced from our archive records and the UYAP (National Judicial Network Project) system. The second stage involved analyzing reports of falling bullet injuries from local and national newspaper websites. In the third stage, the Supreme Court decisions regarding perpetrators of tired bullet incidents were examined. RESULTS: The study included six male and three female cases, with an average age of 32.5 years. Injuries were predominantly located in the head in seven cases, the eye in one case, and the inguinal region in another. In eight cases, the bullet trajectory was from top to bottom. The incidents predominantly occurred in residential areas. It was observed that all cases received coverage in both national and local media, and campaigns against tired bullet injuries were organized. The perpetrators of these injuries were frequently sentenced for murder with probable intent. CONCLUSION: Tired bullet injuries represent a significant public health issue that necessitates comprehensive preventative measures addressing medical, legal, and social dimensions. There should be national and international campaigns led by the media, involving all public institutions, organizations, and non-governmental organizations to promote individual disarmament, highlight the dangers of firearms, and stress the importance of these initiatives.

Evaluation of forensic medical aspects of medical interventions and damages caused by unauthorized persons.

BACKGROUND: Medical interventions are procedures that are conducive to creating danger on people's life and body immunity due to their characteristics. We aimed to raise awareness and make contributions by revealing the fact that serious bodily and mental harms occur due to medical interventions by the ones who do not have the authority to perform. METHODS: We evaluated 210 cases appealled to our institution between the years of 2017 and 2022 who suffered damage after medical interventions by people who do not have any authorization or license. The damages that occurred in the cases were evaluated in terms of medical and legal aspects. Analysis of the data were done with SPSS 25.0 for Windows and the statistical alpha significance level were accepted as p < 0.05. RESULTS: 76.7% of the cases were women, 87.1% were young individuals under the age of 40 Of the medical interventions, 91.9% were for aesthetic/cosmetic purposes (laser epilation, tattoo removal, botox, dermapen, cold lipolysis), 8.1% were for therapeutic purposes (bone setter intervention, tooth extraction/prosthesis, intramuscular injection, cupping pull) was found. It was found that 87.1% of the medical interventions were performed in beauty salons, 12.9% in hairdressers, home, medical markets, pharmacies and dental clinics. CONCLUSIONS: All over the world and in our country, serious bodily and mental injuries occur in people after medical interventions by unauthorized persons. Therefore, it is necessary to see this situation as an important problem, and raise awareness in the society to make legal arrangements.

Medical and legal evaluation of injuries due to dog bites: a Türkiye study.

BACKGROUND: Dog bites are the most common type of injury related to animal bites in our country and worldwide. Dog bite wounds pose significant public health concerns and have medicolegal implications. In this study, we aimed to assess the problems associated with dog bites and propose potential solutions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 149 cases submitted by judicial authorities to our institution, the Istanbul Council of Forensic Medicine, between 2015 and 2021, to obtain medicolegal expert opinion reports. Information regarding the cases included in the study was obtained from our archives and the National Judicial Network Project (UYAP) system. Data were recorded using Microsoft Excel 2016, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: The mean age of the cases was 33.7 years, with 57% being male. 56.4% of the incidents occurred in the city center, and 30.9% took place during the summer months. 65.8% (n=98) of the cases were attributed to stray dogs. Superficial injuries without muscle tissue involvement were observed in 54.4% (n=81) of all cases, while 22.8% (n=34) had deep tissue defects or flap injuries, 4.7% (n=7) involved vascularnerve injuries, 16.1% (n=24) included bone fractures, and 2% (n=3) featured visceral injuries. Surgical treatment was performed on 37.5% (n=56) of the cases. Impairments were reported in 22.1% of the cases, with permanent facial scars affecting 16.7% of them. Psychiatric evaluations were required for 48.9% (n=89) of the cases, and 57.5% of them received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSION: People attacked by dogs may experience serious physical or psychological sequelae. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate all victims using a multidisciplinary approach, addressing their physical, social, and psychological needs, and providing rehabilitation when necessary. Non-governmental organizations, such as those dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals, in collaboration with local veterinary services, should play a role in national initiatives to provide objective and humane solutions for both victims and animals.

Liver laceration related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is recognized as a medical procedure performed to maintain vital functions of a person whose cardiac and respiratory functions have stopped. Chest compression is the most essential component of CPR and it is performed on the lower half of the sternum. During CPR, many complications may occur because of chest compressions, especially chest injuries including sternum and rib fractures. Rarely tracheal injury, rupture of the stomach, or liver or spleen injury may also occur as complications. In this study, we present two cases of liver injury caused by resuscitation. With this article, we want to emphasize the importance of making correct chest compressions.

Resuscitation complications encountered in forensic autopsy cases performed in Mugla province.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine complications of resuscitation seen during autopsies and evaluate the effectiveness of basic life support training. METHODS: Autopsy case reports conducted in The Forensic Branch Manager of Mugla were retrospectively examined. Demographic data of the patients with resuscitation complications such as age, gender, manner of death, and kinds and features of the complications were recorded. RESULTS: In total, seventy-fourof the 100 cases with resuscitation complications were males. The autopsies in most of these cases were performed during the summer season. Among the patients, 68% died for non-traumatic reasons. Rib fractures were detected in seventy-one patients and sternum fractures in thirty-two patients. Moreover, damage to the pericardium (2%) and lung parenchymal (4%), heart lesions (4%), and liver lacerations (2%) were detected. Regarding rib fractures, fractures were found between the first and eighth ribs on both sides, with the highest numbers occurring in the fourth rib. CONCLUSION: Resuscitation complications are important since they can be presumed to have carried out for traumatic reasons.Resuscitation complications seen in autopsy cases with non-traumatic causes can be perceived as traumatic events. They can be assumed incorrectly as trauma symptoms. These complications can be reduced with a good resuscitation training of the health personnel.