Abstract:

The rate of death cases caused by drowning within death occurring varies to settlements and population density. According to data of Forensic Medicine Directorate in Şanlıurfa, between 2001 and 2008 years, majority (67.7%) of these are in the irrigation channels, 189 drowning cases occurred. This study aims to discuss the measures to be taken, the causes and the distribution of drowning cases at time and place in the province of Şanlıurfa. The data sources are the death archives and autopsy examined due to drowning cases at Forensic Medicine Department of Harran University Research Hospital. The water has been given from Şanlıurfa Tunnel with open-circuit system, Upper Harran Main Irrigation Channel and Şanlıurfa Main Irrigation Channel to Harran Plain. Up to now, a large number of drowning cases occurred at the dam ponds, irrigation channels and other water places. The drowning cases in Şanlıurfa were investigated depending on time, place, water place, gender, age group and the cause and knowledge of swimming. Drowning is a preventable condition for most of the cases. It has been discussed that security measures may reduce drowning cases which may occur

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