A J Fisher

FROM THE MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL INDUSTRIAL INJURIES AND BURNS RESEARCH UNIT, BIRMINGHAM ACCIDENT HOSPITAL, BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

We report on two cases of suicide in which the victims started fires before their deaths. In one case the victim died of a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head after setting several fires in his residence. In the second case the victim hung himself after setting several fires in his residence and an adjoining building. In both cases, the victim's position was not near the origin of the fires suggesting that the arson was not a failsafe device to the primary mechanism of suicide. Neither victim showed a significant percentage of carboxyhemoglobin, or thermal damage from the fires. Both cases are remarkable in that, had the fire caused more damage to the remains and dwellings, a finding of suicide may not have been reached. We discuss similar aspects between the two reported cases and discuss differences observed with similar events such as complex suicide, suicide by self-immolation, and concealed homicide by burning. Similar cases should be reported to broaden our understanding of these complex events.

Persons over 65 years of age now comprise 11 per cent. of the population. This proportion is rising; 50 years ago it was 5 per cent., and it is estimated that in 50 years' time it will be 17 per cent. ( Logan, 1953). Correspondingly, the medical and surgical needs of the elderly are demanding increas- ing attention. It is common to find one-third of the beds in accident wards occupied by these people, and it therefore seemed profitable to define more precisely what kinds of injuries are chiefly concerned, how they happen, and what are their results in mortality, duration of stay in hospital, and resettlement problems.