Application Times of Forensic Cases to Emergency Department

Abstract

Objective: In this study, thetimes and rates of the application of forensic cases admitted to our emergency department have been investigated, and an attempt made to obtain data on cases grouped according to causes of these issues

Materials and Methods: Forensic patient reports and hospital files of patients who applied to the emergency department of Pamukkale University Medical Faculty during a two year period were searched retrospectively. Hospital application times were examined.

Results: During the study, 47.758 patients applied to our emergency department and 2018 (4.2%) patients of these were diagnosed as forensic cases. In 34.1% of forensic cases, in-vehicle traffic accidents were determined. These cases were followed by cutting-penetrating tool injuries, vehicle off traffic accidents and poisoning, respectively The forensic patients were found to apply most frequently in the months of July and August, on Saturdays and Mondays and between 22: 00-23: 59 hrs.

Conclusions: During the holiday season, weekends and evening hours, patients in emergency departmentsl increase in density and the proportion of forensic patients is high. Considering the necessary manpower, planning should be carried out and measures should be taken to prevent disruption of the emergency department.