Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning in fire related deaths in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to examine the association of hydrogen cyanide and carboxyhaemoglobin in victims of fire related deaths in Australia. The secondary aim was to document demographic data about Australian fire related deaths. Methods: An observational retrospective study was undertaken of autopsy reports from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Reports of fire related deaths were electronically searched using the terms burns, "smoke" or "fire" as a cause of death in the calender years 1992 to 1998. Data on the circumstances of the fire and results of toxicological screening were obtained on 178 persons. Additional whole blood cyanide levels were determined if bloo..