1/4. homicide by improvised explosive device made out of firecrackers.Explosion is a phenomenon resulting from a sudden release of energy dissipated by: (1) blast wave; (2) translocation of objects; and (3) generation of heat. There are different types of explosive devices varying from sophisticated military bombs to simple firecrackers. These are made from various kinds of explosive materials. Sophisticated bombs are used in war and military operations to kill one's enemies, while simple firecrackers are meant for expressing joy and celebration. Here, the author reports an unusual case of homicide by the manufacture of an improvised explosive device from simple firecrackers. In india, these firecrackers are widely and freely available all over the country. The case highlights the fatal hazard resulting from easy access to these potentially dangerous devices, apart from the environmental pollution produced by their large scale use at the time of festivals in this country.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Complex cranial base trauma resulting from recreational fireworks injury: case reports and review of the literature.Two patients who sustained complex skull base trauma secondary to recreational fireworks injuries are reported. Initial assessment and management included axial and coronal computerized tomography, control of hemorrhage, debridement of wound and brain, isolation of brain from external environment, and reconstruction of the cranial base floor. Secondary orbital and facial reconstruction used available bone fragments and iliac bone graft in one patient and vascularized free tissue transfer in the other. In both patients, reconstruction of both the intracranial and extracranial compartments was successful with acceptable cosmetic result. Modification of multiple conventional approaches, along with a multispecialty surgical team, was used to deal effectively with these unique cases.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. A case of a death by explosives: the keys to a proper investigation.Suicidal deaths involving an explosive, unrelated to a terrorist act, are rare. The rarity of such events presents a unique environment for those investigating such a death. We report a case of suicide involving a 29-year-old white male who detonated a firework in his mouth, resulting in massive craniocerebral destruction. He was discovered in his residence shortly after the explosion. Initially, the case was believed to be a fatal gunshot wound by the paramedics and homicide detectives at the scene. Several small pieces of red colored paper and a possible end cap were located throughout the scene. Analysis of the paper and end cap showed trace components consistent with flash powder. The victim had used a pyrotechnic device to commit suicide. Therefore, it is critical for those who investigate deaths be able to identify cases that involve explosives in order to properly collect and analyze the evidence.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. Landmine-related injuries, 1993-1996.During 1980-1993, the incidence of landmine-related injuries doubled, resulting in an estimated 2000 deaths or injuries each month. Approximately 120 million landmines are buried in 71 countries throughout the world, and 2-5 million new landmines are planted each year. Some countries, such as afghanistan, angola, and cambodia, have approximately 10 million landmines each. Landmines can have profound medical, environmental, and economic consequences, particularly for the civilian populations of those countries burdened with landmines. However, the consequences of landmines extend beyond the borders of those countries. Health-care workers and nongovernmental organizations are increasingly asked to assist emergency-affected, displaced, and refugee populations in regional conflicts, resulting in their increased exposure to landmines. This report describes three cases of landmine-related injury and illustrates the public health consequences of those injuries and the potential role for public health workers in preventing those injuries.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |