The investigation of diving accidents and fatalities.
Diving Hyperb Med
; 54(3): 217-224, 2024 Sep 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39288927
ABSTRACT
Diving accidents result from a variety of causes including human error, inadequate health and fitness, environmental hazards and equipment problems. They usually involve a cascade of events resulting in the diver being injured or deceased. The accuracy and usefulness of a diving accident investigation relies on well-targeted interviews, good field investigation, evidence collection and preservation, and appropriate equipment assessment. In the event of a fatality, a thorough and targeted autopsy is indicated. Investigators should have the appropriate knowledge, training, skills and support systems to perform the required tasks. Relevant investigations include the victim's medical and diving history, the dive circumstances and likely accident scenario, management of the accident including rescue and first aid, equipment inspection and testing and a thorough postmortem examination conducted by a forensic pathologist with an awareness of the special requirements of a diving autopsy and the knowledge to correctly interpret the findings. A chain of events analysis can determine the likely accident scenario, identify shortcomings and inform countermeasures.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Autopsy
/
Accidents
/
Diving
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Diving Hyperb Med
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia
Country of publication:
Australia