European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Physical assault is one of the world’s leading cause of morbidity and mortality which can be preventable. In India, assaultive violence tops the list in 15-24 years age group, placing heavy burden on health care facilities. The present study was carried out with objectives to study the pattern and distribution of injuries in cases of physical assault, and the age and sex distribution of victims.
Methodology: The study was carried out in the Casualty of a Tertiary Care Hospital, in the state of Puducherry, over a period of 12 months from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 200 cases of alleged assault were included in the study.
Results: Males (79%) outnumbered females (21%). Commonest age group affected was 16-25 years (53%), followed by 26-35 years (35%). In 79% of cases, the assailant was known to the victim. Majority of the assaults occurred on streets (41%), and during the night hours (53%). Most common type of injuries sustained by the victims were contusions (41%), followed by abrasions (24.5%). Most commonly affected region of the body was head & neck region (40.5%) followed by the upper limbs (27.5%). 28.5% of victims had sustained grievous injuries. Blunt weapon was most commonly used (46%). Majority of the cases (65%) were treated conservatively.
Conclusion: Males in the age group of 15-34 years were found to be more susceptible to physical assault some of which were grievous in nature. Incidents were predominant in the night hours and on the streets. Blunt trauma, contusions being the commonest form, with head and neck region bearing the brunt.

Emergency Medicine is a new discipline that started with the aim of effective and early resuscitation of critically ill patients. Medico-legal cases (MLC) are surged globally due to the population rise. Resource allocation for different MLC in terms of humans, infrastructure, and equipment is complicated. The present study aimed to find a pattern of Medico-legal cases with outcomes in the Emergency Department.

AIMS: Emergency Medicine is a new discipline that started with the aim of effective and early resuscitation of critically ill patients. Medico-legal cases (MLC) are surged globally due to the population rise. Resource allocation for different MLC in terms of humans, infrastructure, and equipment is complicated. The present study aimed to find a pattern of Medico-legal cases with outcomes in the Emergency Department.
METHODS :This isaretrospective study done in a tertiary care teaching hospital over one year from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 955 cases were registered, out of which 918 were selected. Patients data was recorded in proforma regarding the demographic profile, the pattern of MLC, and hospital outcome. Descriptive analysis expressed in frequencies and percentages using SPSS for Windows, Version 26.0. 
RESULTS : In 918 cases, males were 69.80 %, and females were 30.20%. The majority of patients were aged 21 to 40 years, accounting for 56.10%. The pattern of MLC cases is Road traffic accidents 34.50%, poisoning 23.10%, Assault 19.80%, Bites 13.6%, and burns 2.20%. Outcomes showed the discharges 55.10%, deaths 3.8%, Against Medical Advice 29.30%, and OPD Basis11.80%. Mortality was highest in road traffic accidents, accounting for 1.5%.
CONCLUSION : Present study concludes MLC cases were common in males of younger age groups. The majority of MLC cases are Road traffic accidents and poisoning. Mortality was more in Road traffic accidents. This study will guide the preparedness of the Emergency department in terms of resource allocation, training of staff, and formulation of hospital plans and policies by government /law agencies.