O-45 Hanging Suicide in Martinique

Methods:  This retrospective study involved a meticulous analysis of medical records pertaining to all individuals admitted to the intensive care units at the University Hospital of Martinique (UHM), Trinite Genral Hospital, and Lamentin General Hospital - over a nine-year period (2005-2014) following hanging incidents. Additionally, data from the pre-hospital emergency medical service (SAMU 972) were incorporated into the analysis.

Results:  A total of 165 patients were admitted, comprising 139 men and 26 women, with a mean age of 44 years (ranging from 9 to 89 years). Notably, 5% of patients had significant pre-existing medical conditions.. Analysis of predictive mortality parameters revealed the significance of prehospital cardiac arrest, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, mechanical ventilation, and convulsions.

Unfortunately, all patients with pre-hospital cardiac arrest (5%) succumbed to their injuries. Moreover, the mortality rate was high, with 75% of patients not surviving, with only 41 out of 165 patients being actively monitored during the study period. The average length of hospital stay was 3 ± 7 days.

Conclusion: Suicide represents a significant public health issue, particularly pronounced in the French West Indies. In Martinique, for instance, there is a notably high rate of suicide attempts by hanging, averaging approximately 32 cases annually within a population of 375,000. Outcomes for individuals who attempt suicide by hanging are often gravely serious, particularly if a pre-hospital cardiac arrest occurs. This underscores the critical need for immediate and comprehensive medical intervention.