KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, the King County Medical Examiner's Office at Public Health - Seattle & King County released its annual report documenting deaths and death trends for calendar year 2002 (full report online at www.metrokc.gov/health/examiner). Of 13,008 deaths that occurred in King County in 2002, the Medical Examiner assumed jurisdiction in 13% (1,683) of these deaths, including 92 homicides, 203 traffic deaths, either motor vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, or bicycle riders. One hundred twenty-one traffic deaths were the result of collisions occurring in King County. Of motor vehicle occupants killed, 100 were drivers and 46 were passengers. Of the 100 vehicle driver deaths, 39 were known to be wearing seat belts; 61 were either not wearing seat belts or it is not known if they were wearing seat belts. There were 34 pedestrians, 17 motorcycle riders and three bicyclists killed in 2002.
"King County studies deaths in order to better understand how to prevent many deaths and promote healthy communities. This is a very important service for our residents," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
"The Medical Examiner investigates all sudden, unexpected, suspicious and violent deaths in King County," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "By better understanding the circumstances and risk factors that lead to deaths, we are better able to prevent early and unintentional deaths."
"Our staff offers countless hours of time to grieving family members who want to understand exactly how and why their loved one dies, which is important for closure," said Dr. Richard Harruff, Chief Medical Examiner. "These investigations also assist families in finding closure by expediting settlement of insurance claims and estates and by assuring that appropriate criminal and civil actions are taken."
The King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCME) investigations include deaths in King County where the incident leading to the death occurred outside of King County. In such cases, the injured person most often was transported to a hospital in King County, where the death occurred. The Medical Examiner does not investigate deaths of King County residents who die in another county.
Key findings by KCME in 2002
200 suicides. Ninety-eight (49%) of the suicides were by the use of firearms. Thirty-two (16%) were due to hanging, and 23 (12%) were due to drugs/poisons. There were 9 suicides of persons 19 years of age and younger.
Public Health - Seattle & King County is a partner in the LOKITUP Campaign that recommends storing all firearms locked and unloaded to help reduce suicide risk, particularly among youth. Also, it is recommended that families, peers and professionals should be educated about the warning signs of suicide and the resources available for help to reduce the incidence of youth and adult suicides.
216 drug-caused deaths in 2002 (173 unintentional deaths, 23 suicides, and 20 undetermined manner). Drug-caused deaths increased in 2002 compared to 2001, when there were 165 drug-caused deaths. There were 101 opiate deaths and 82 cocaine deaths, most often in combination with other drugs and alcohol. The 101 opiate deaths in 2002 were an increase from 2001 (64) but a slight decrease from 2000 (105). The 82 cocaine deaths in 2002 were an increase from 2001 (46) but a decrease from 2000 (93).
Public Health placed 251 people in methadone treatment last year, but demand continues to overwhelm capacity. Currently the treatment waiting list is over 700, and it takes longer than a year for a person to get access to methadone treatment. In addition, Public Health educates clients who use the needle exchange about how to prevent drug overdoses and what to do to help others who are experiencing an overdose. In 2001 Public Health developed a short heroin overdose prevention curriculum and through 2002 trained a number of users and service providers.
92 homicides. Seventy-seven of the homicides were the result of incidents that occurred within King County. Fifty-three (58%) of the homicides were due to the use of firearms, and 17 (18%) were the result of stabbing.
KCME pathologists assist police agencies in investigating murders and routinely testify in trials involving violence. Deterrence is an effective means of preventing violence, especially domestic violence. KCME contributes to accurate homicide investigations to ensure the guilty are effectively prosecuted and the innocent are not wrongly accused or charged. Also, staff provides independent investigations of police custody deaths and testifies in inquests that examine instances of potential abuse of police authority.
203 traffic deaths, either motor vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, or bicycle riders. One hundred twenty-one traffic deaths occurred in King County. Of motor vehicle occupants killed, 100 were drivers and 46 were passengers. Of the 100 vehicle driver deaths, 39 were known to be wearing seat belts; 61 were either not wearing seat belts or it is not known if they were wearing seat belts. There were 34 pedestrians, 17 motorcycle riders and three bicyclists killed in 2002.
KCME works with investigating agencies to determine the factors responsible for collisions. KCME also hosts multi-agency traffic conferences to discuss traffic fatality investigations and identify potential safety and prevention issues. Additionally, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, a multi-agency group spearheaded by Public Health's Violence & Injury Prevention Unit and numerous others, works to alleviate the leading causes of traffic fatalities. These causes include speed, impaired driving and failure to use proper occupant protection (for example, wearing seat belts, using booster and child car seats). Efforts include organizing interagency DUI (driving under the influence) emphasis patrols, increasing public awareness of traffic safety issues, and reducing the number of DUI-related crashes in King County.
472 other kinds of deaths or unintentional injuries. Eighty-six of these cases were the result of incidents that occurred outside of King County. After traffic deaths, the most common cause of unintentional death was from drugs and poisons (173), followed by falls (170); 148 of these deaths caused by falls occurred in the age group 60 years and over. The next most common causes of unintentional death were drowning (32), complication of therapy (24), and burns (22).
Public Health's Emergency Medical Services Division and local fire departments are working to reduce seniors falling in the home, which can result in fractures that subsequently lead to fatal health complications while convalescing. It is especially important that those who work with seniors and seniors themselves recognize that fall-related risks increase with age. As for drowning prevention, Public Health's Violence & Injury Prevention Unit co-chairs the Seattle-King County Drowning Prevention Coalition. The Coalition uses a multi-faceted approach to prevent drowning deaths. They promote these primary messages: know the water, know your limits, and wear a lifejacket when wading, swimming or boating in or around open water. The Coalition also recommends diligent supervision of children around all water and appropriate fencing of all swimming pools.
663 deaths due to natural causes. Three hundred ninety-two cases were due to cardiovascular disease. There were 16 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Work by Public Health - Seattle & King County and other researchers has shown that putting infants to sleep on their backs, not their stomachs, decreases the risk of SIDS. Since the "Back to Sleep" recommendations were first published in 1992, the SIDS rate in King County has dropped significantly. KCME works closely with the SIDS Foundation of Washington to provide support for families suffering a sudden infant death and education in understanding the nature of SIDS. KCME is also a major contributor to the King County Child Death Review and the State Child Death Review Advisory Board.
KCME provides surveillance regarding emerging infectious diseases, potential bioterrorism and other public health hazards. Additionally, Public Health works comprehensively on preventing or postponing the onset of chronic diseases like heart disease through the promotion of healthy nutrition and physical activity, healthy aging programs and other projects that target the general population and at-risk groups.
