Journal of forensic and legal medicine
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The overall aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the quality of current practical training in London with a view to improving future training as part of faculty development. New trainees in clinical forensic medicine (CFM), Assistant Forensic Medical Examiners (AFMEs), were interviewed to gather their views of their recent training experience and to attempt to identify problems with implementing the training as it stands. ⋯ Each trainee should have a named clinical and educational supervisor during the training period. Furthermore it should be mandatory for educational supervisors to undergo training and review of performance.
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A 36-year old male was found dead inside a pub bath lying in a pool of blood. A small single-edged knife was discovered on the top of the water cistern. Multiple sharp weapon wounds at the usual sites of self-inflicted injuries were reported. ⋯ Death was attributed to haemorrhagic shock following left radial artery injury. On the basis of circumstantial evidences and autopsy findings, there was no doubt that this was a suicide. The authors suggest that a complete forensic approach by means of scene investigation, autopsy as well as toxicological analysis is fundamental in discriminating between homicide and suicide.
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Firecracker display is used worldwide for celebrating religious festivities, New Year celebrations and various other occasions. Explosion during the manufacture of firecrackers can result in serious injuries. ⋯ Superficial to deep burns, traumatic amputation of right upper limb, and multiple abrasions and lacerations were present on various parts of the body with contusion of internal thoracic and abdominal organs. Also, multiple punctured circumscribed wounds with burnt floor and margins were present over the body.
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Attacks on humans by domestic animals causing fatal injuries are not uncommon in rural areas of India. But injuries due to buffalo gore are rarely observed in villages and are different from other casualties like stab injuries, road fatalities, etc. As the victims of buffalo attack are usually recovered from the fields or forest, the investigating officer could be mislead as to the nature of infliction of fatal injuries to a possible homicide. ⋯ The wound sustained may be contusions, lacerations, criss-cross wounds, penetration of body cavities, and sometimes fractures. In the absence of any eye witness, it becomes very difficult to believe the unsuspecting domestic water buffalo as attacker. This case is reported for its rarity, for the awareness of the possible injuries in such unnatural deaths, and factors predisposing to a buffalo attack.