Attempted Suicide Hanging Cases Admitted to Emergency Department

Aim: Suicide is the second leading cause of death by injury, behind death by motor vehicle accident. In this retrospective study, we investigated hanging cases admitted to our emergency department in the years 2008-2013. Material and Method: There were 22 hanging cases during this six-year period. Demographic and clinical features of the patients are presented in this paper. Results: The median age was 33 (17-77); 68.2% of the patients were male. On admission, the median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14 (3-15). 45.5% of the patients were married, 68.2% were unemployed, 63.6% had graduated from primary school, none had graduated from university or further studies. In three of the patients, cervical vertebra fracture was present. Three of the patients died. Only one of the patients who died had a cervical fracture; the other two died because of asphyxia. 50% of the patients were hospitalized. Discussion: In conclusion, education level, marital status, and job status are important factors in hanging cases. The Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission is a good prognostic factor for mortality