Characterization of the Autopsies Performed from Deaths of Foreigners in Medellín, 2010-2017

Authors: Jennifer G*, Quebin M and Dayana Q

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000258

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

This paper is about a characterization of autopsies performed from deaths of foreigners from January 2010 to December 2017. To this end, an analytical observational study was carried out, assembled in a cohort of foreigners killed in Medellín recognized in the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences by reviewing autopsy reports. The analysis of the variables studied shows that tourists who die meanwhile visiting Medellin are from North America (15.84%), the most frequent cause of death is trauma from a projectile from a firearm (14.36%), the most frequent manner of death is Homicide (23.76%), and the most common circumstances of the events are the reckoning and intoxication. In 22.8% of the cases, some psychoactive substance was identified in the blood, being cocaine the most frequent use. However, these types of substances were only sought in 50% of the cases studied, so it is recommended to strengthen the search for these substances in all foreign deaths subject to medical-legal autopsy.

Keywords: Foreigner; Intoxication; Cocaine; Drug Tourism

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