NCJ Number
15048
Date Published
1970
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A DISCUSSION OF THE MEDICAL ASPECTS IS FOLLOWED BY SIX CASE HISTORIES THAT ILLUSTRATE GOOD INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES.
Abstract
IN EVERY CASE, EITHER THERE WAS A HOLE OR BLOWN GASKET IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR THERE WAS BODY ROT INSIDE THE QUARTER PANEL OR BENEATH THE TRUNK. SEVERAL CASES HAD COMBINATIONS OF DEFECTS. THE AUTHOR STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ALWAYS CHECKING THE CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL IN THE BLOOD IN A VEHICULAR FATALITY BECAUSE SOMETHING AS INNOCUOUS AS A HUNG-UP TAIL PIPE HANGER CAN CAUSE DEATH. ANOTHER REASON FOR CAREFUL INVESTIGATION IS THAT THE CAUSE OF DEATH WHETHER ACCIDENTAL, NATURAL, OR SUICIDE CAN OFTEN HAVE GREAT CONSEQUENCES WITH REGARD TO INSURANCE PAYMENTS AND INHERITANCES. A CHECK LIST OF IMPORTANT FACTORS TO BE EVALUATED IN A VEHICULAR CARBON MONOXIDE DEATH FOLLOWS THE TEXT.