Sharp violence Flashcards
Which are the most common manner of deaths when sharp violence is used? (in Sweden)
suicide and homicide (ca 50 per year), while accidents are only 2-5 cases per year
What is sharp violence?
Wounds caused by sharp-edged and pointed weapons
Which is the most common used weapon in sharp violence?
the knife
also: razor-blades, glass, axe, screw drivers, arrows, scissors
Name the three different kinds of sharp violence wounds
- incised (cut) wounds: lenght exceeds depth
- stab wounds: depth exceeds length
- chop wounds: sharp and blunt (both long and depp), e.g. by axe or sword; needs to be heavy
Name characteristics of incised wounds
- a sharp edge is drawn against the skin
- sharp edges of the wound (when perfeclty sharp weapon)
- no tissue bridges
- no injuries in the skin next to the wound (such as bruises)
Name characteristics of stab wounds
- a pointed weapon
- a wound in the skin and a wound track in the body
- the edges of the wound are often regular
- signs of blunt force in the skin next to the wound (e.g. bruises)
- no tissue bridges
- shape of the wound may have shape of the tool
What parameters are used to describe a wound?
(5)
- size
- shape
- edges and ends
- depth and direction
- location on the body
Which questions has the doctor to answer after the examination?
- what kind of weapon/what characteristics of weapon
- manner of death
- cause of death
- position of victim and perp
- injuries after death
Which questions has the doctor to answer in the court?
- how much force was needed?
- what was the survival time (could he have been saved?)
- physical activity (could the person have been active after stabbing?)
What circumstances can be found if the stabbing/cutting was self-inflicted/suicide?
- weapon near the body
- previous attempts
- suicide note
- mental illness/abuse
What is the injury picture in self inflicted deaths/suicide?
- exposed skin is cut
- forearm, wrist, throat, chest (a place you can reach)
- hesitation wounds
What are circumstances of homicide with sharp violence?
- no weapon at crime scene
- influence of alcohol
What is the injury picture in homicide with sharp violence?
- through clothes
- number/location of injuries
- defence wounds
- more than one fatal injury
- other injuries, blunt force
- no hesitation wounds
What are characteristics for accidental death due to sharp violence?
- some professions, where you use tools
- often injuries to the hand
Name causes of death associated with sharp violence? (6)
- exsanguation
- tamponade (heart sac filled with blood)
- blood aspiration (suffocation in blood)
- pneumothorax
- air embolism
- inflammation
