Fatal accidental hypothermia and alcohol

Abstract

A series of 51 fatal cases of accidental hypothermia in northern Sweden has been reviewed. The cases conform well to previous investigations with respect to the mean age of the victims (48 years) and a predominance of males. The cases occurred mainly during the winter months and on Saturdays. Most cases succumbed at temperatures below -10 degrees C. The most frequent necropsy findings were areas of frostbite with purple discoloration of the skin, reddish lividity and superficial erosions of the gastric mucosa. Paradoxical undressing was present in more than half of the cases. About two thirds of the cases were under the influence of alcohol with a mean blood alcohol concentration of 1.6 g/l. Furthermore, at least half of the cases could be considered habitual drunkards. In conclusion, the present series shows two main groups of fatal hypothermia victims: one group of elderly persons, mostly chronic abusers and under the influence of alcohol (approximately two-thirds of the series), and another of younger and sober persons, performing recognised sporting activities (approximately one-fourth of the series).