Abstract

Introduction: Burns is one of the most common and the most devastating forms of trauma among the people, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. The causes of burns differ in different communities and a proper understanding of this could probably lead to the prevention of burn incidences and thereby lowering the rate of mortality. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was done on 155 patients whose cause of death was due to burns. The postmortem reports, inquests, panchnama of the scene of offence, other reports which were collected based on the information of friends and relatives were taken. The treatment history, suicidal tendency of the patient, were pursued and the data obtained was analyzed thoroughly. Results: The number of females (56.8%) that were affected were significantly higher than the males (43.2%). The predominant age group that was affected was between 21-30 years of age, followed by 31-40 years. Suicides accounted for the majority of the causes of deaths due to burns (50.9%), closely followed by accidental burns (44.5%). A total of 5.8% of the patients died on the spot and could not be resuscitated. Majority of the patients (46.5%) could not survive beyond 24 hours. Conclusion: Proper education regarding the care to be taken to prevent burns as well as the immediate care and first aid to be given to such patients should be given to prevent severe burn injuries and death.

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