Analysis of accidental deaths in mountain tourism and sport according to statistics from the Republic of Kabardino-Balkariia
Mechukaev, A.M.; Mechukaev, A.A.
Sudebno-Meditsinskaia Ekspertiza 49(4): 10-14
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-4521 PMID: 16944690 Document Number: 602745
Lethal cases in mountain tourism and sports in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria were studied for 1978-1995. A total of 152 accidental deaths were analysed. Most of the victims were males under 30 years of age. The greatest number of the accidents took place on Monday, in July and August. Many amateur visitors from abroad were among the victims. The main cause of death in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria for the 18 years studied was multitrauma of the body (69.7%). Hypothermia and obturation asphyxia with snow and compression asphyxia due to snowbreak account for 11.8 and 13.2% deaths, respectively; lightning killed 4%. Combination of high mountain hypoxia with exacerbated chronic somatic disease or hypothermia caused death in 1% victims. The authors propose how to improve forensic-medical expert examination of accidental death and safety in the mountains.