Epidemiological behavior of mechanical asphyxias in the forensic medical service of the Veracruz-Boca del rio zone

Introduction. There has been an increase in violent deaths worldwide and these constitute a public health problem. Mechanical asphyxia is one of the main causes of violent death.Methods. A retrospective and observational study of the Forensic Medical Service data base was conducted, corresponding to the metropolitan area of Veracruz-Boca del Río, in the period between January 2010 and December 2016.Results A total of 5144 autopsies performed in the study period were analyzed; in 567 cases, the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia (11%); 78% were male, mainly in the range of 15 to 35 years of age.Discussion. With the data obtained, prevention campaigns can be reinforced in the population with the highest incidence of cases.Keywords: Mechanical asphyxia, epidemiology, Forensic Medical Service