Abstract

Deaths due to fall from height are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths. The fatalities of the injuries depend not only on the height of fall but also on the landing position and impact surface2. Additionally, diversity of the injuries and the complexity of the patterns involved in these injuries, emphasizes the need for study in this area. A Retrospective autopsy study of deaths due to fall from heights was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology attached to Government Chengalpattu Medical College & Hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu from the year 2018 to 2022 from 01-01-2018 to 31-12-2022. Among the total 6690 cases autopsied during the study period, 122 cases (1.82 %) were deaths due to fall from height. Maximum deaths were seen in males (72.13%). Maximum number of fall from height cases were seen in the age group of 31-40 Years (55.95%). Maximum case of fall from height was seen in construction workers (32.78%). Maximum cases of fall from height were seen in low socio economic status (53.27%). Maximum cases of fall from height were seen with a distance below 20 feet which constitutes (36.88%). The cause of death in maximum cases was attributed to Cranio Spinal Injuries (49.18%). The most common manner of death was accidental in nature (78.68). We concluded that fall from heights carry a significant morbidity and mortality and to decrease the incidence of these deaths, it is important to employ certain vital strategies. These include creating awareness amongst workers, increasing parental supervision of toddlers during their play at heights and psychological counselling for students.

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