In 2008, fewer people died from traffic crashes than in the past 10 years, and the 210 deaths from suicide were the lowest since 2002. The number of homicides, however, is on the rise, according to the annual King County Medical Examiner’s report released today.

The report presents detailed analyses of suspicious, sudden, unexpected or violent deaths in King County for the previous year, as well as trends in homicides, traffic fatalities and drug overdose deaths, many of which are preventable. The full King County Medical Examiner’s 2008 annual report is online at kingcounty.gov.

“Medical Examiner death reviews are crucial for Public Health because we can target prevention efforts based on our understanding of circumstances, risk factors and trends of these deaths.” Dr. David Fleming said, director and health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “For example, we’re able to identify the leading causes of traffic fatalities – including alcohol and drug impairment, speed, and failure to wear seat belts – and work to address them.

In 2008, approximately 13,339 people died in King County, and the medical examiner performed autopsies approximately 10 percent (1232) of the time. The medical examiner assumed jurisdiction on 2121 deaths, which included 871 natural deaths, 738 accidental deaths, 210 suicides, 163 traffic deaths, 85 homicides, and 53 undetermined causes.

Findings from the 2008 report

Compared with 2007, King County had more homicides and fewer fatal traffic crashes. Accidental deaths and deaths from natural causes both increased. Firearms were the most frequent instrument of death in homicides and suicides. Of the 139 firearm deaths in 2008, 93 were classified as suicides, 45 as homicides and one as accidental.

Comparison of 2008 and 2007 deaths (raw numbers)

2008 2007

Natural deaths 871 863

Accidental deaths 739 687

Drugs and poison 278 302

Suicide 210 223

Traffic 163 170

Homicide 85 76

Targeted prevention efforts at Public Health

• Accidental deaths

The most common cause of accidental death was falls (323); 261 (81 percent) of the deaths caused by falls occurred in the age group 70 years and over.

Public Health’s Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS) and local fire departments work to prevent falls in the home and enroll older adults who needed 911 services in the past for fall-related injuries into a fall prevention program. Falls can result in fractures, and subsequent health complications, and even death, while convalescing.

More information on the fall prevention program is available at kingcounty.gov.

• Suicide and homicide

To prevent suicide deaths, Public Health recommends parents, peers, children of elderly parents, and health care providers learn the warning signs of suicide and where to find help or call 1-866-427-4747).

Public Health’s Violence & Injury Prevention Unit is a partner in LOK-IT-UP, a campaign which recommends storing all firearms locked and unloaded to help reduce suicide risk The unit also trains health care providers to work with patients at-risk for suicide to remove potential methods of death, like firearms from their surroundings. Free training kits for health care providers are available. Call 206-263-8160.

• Traffic fatalities

The Violence & Injury Prevention Unit leads the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, a multi-agency group that works to alleviate the leading causes of traffic fatalities, including alcohol and drug impairment, speed and failure to wear seat belts.