Pattern of Injuries in fall from Height

The cases of fall from height are now becoming more common due to multi-storeyed culture in urban population. In this study of fatal cases of fall from heights majority of falls are of males, in age group 21–50 years, from terrace and balcony due to lack of appropriate fencing. Most of the deaths are accidental and consumption of alcohol is a major predisposing factor. In majority cases body was found within 2 meters from the base of the building. In one unique case the body was found 8 meters away from the building in which the person jumped from the terrace while running to escape from the police. As in such case, if a person jumps after a pre-running there will be an associated initial velocity at the moment of take-off, which can be calculated from vertical height and horizontal distance by using the formula, v_o = (gx²/2(x.sinθ -y cosθ) cosθ)^1/2. Though such cases are not very common but when a pre-running before a jump is present, determination of initial velocity is definitive of an intentional act of the person.