Methodological approaches to the application of burns classifications in determining the severity of injuries in Ukraine

Abstract

The article considers the existing classifications of thermal burns by the depth of the lesion. The analysis and comparison of different classifications among themselves is carried out. The problems that may arise in forensic medical practice in determining the severity of thermal burns, which are associated with the use of different classifications, are demonstrated. The use of different classifications of burns according to the depth of the lesion can lead to incorrect determination of the severity of injuries when compiling the "Expert Conclusion". Methodological approaches that will avoid this are presented.
 The aim of the work. Elaboration of methodological approaches to the use of modern classifications of burns, which are introduced in Ukraine and in other countries, during forensic medical examinations of thermal injuries.
 Materials and methods. Analysis, synthesis, comparison and analogy of printed and electronic legal documents of Ukraine, domestic and foreign forensic and medical literature on burn injury.
 Results. Analysis and comparison of different modifications of burns classification by depth of injury revealed that modern classifications by combinations of numbers and letters differ from the classification of burns by depth, which is used in forensic practice in Ukraine in determining the severity of thermal injuries. The forensic expert during the examination in cases of thermal injury examines the medical records that contain information about the treatment of the victim. Victims can be treated in various medical institutions both in Ukraine and abroad. Thus, different classifications are used in the formulation of the diagnosis, which can lead to incorrect determination of the severity of the injury caused by high temperature. The result is a biased "Expert Conclusion", which may later be considered inadequate evidence in criminal proceedings. To prevent erroneous assessment of the degree of burns, the expert must find out what classification of burns is used in making a clinical diagnosis, and interpret the specified degree of burns in accordance with the gradation of burns, which regulates the activities of forensic experts.
 Conclusion. At present, the «Rules of forensic determination of the severity of injuries», which were approved in Ukraine in 1995, don't provide adequate methodological support for forensic expert research, which should correspond to the current level of development of medical science and clinical practice. The introduction of the achievements of world medicine into the domestic forensic medical practice should be facilitated by modern legal documents regulating the activities of forensic medical institutions of Ukraine.