The Role of Medical Man in Cases of Burns

Abstract

Objective: Injuries caused by burns are a common occurrence in our country. Burn always evoke source of interest 
for forensic curiosity. The victim of burns needs a detailed scrutiny to evaluate the intentional status whether 
suicidal, homicidal or accidental to provide justice and to satisfy the weeping souls.  
Design of Study: A retrospective study. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the patients of burn at AMC from March 2005- May 
2008. 
Materials and Methods: All of the patients were included irrespective of sex and age. Record of burn patient was 
taken on performas in which their age, sex, type of burn, percentage of burn, causative agent and reason of burning 
were noted.  
Result: Total 53 patients were included in the study. Among them 47 sustained accidental, 5 patients homicidal and 
1 suicidal burns. Out of 47 accidental cases 7 patients died, 4 out of 5 homicidal cases died and only one suicidal 
case revived.  
Conclusion: The patients who are registered as accidental or suicidal burns are not always so. A probe into the 
history of patients can bring out the key to truth. Moreover timely assessment of critical clinical conditions of patient 
is necessary to avail them their rights of justices.