Feature

Autopsy…or Post-mortem Examination refers to the thorough scientific examination of the dead body to find out the cause of death. Needless to say these deaths include all the unnatural ones that are taking place every hour around us, starting from road traffic accidents to suspected homicides, to suicides.

Until a few months back, post mortem would make me visualize an impeccable scene from my favourite show The X-files, where Scully meticulously dressed and sporting an unique spectacle examined dead bodies wrapped in plastic sheets and the whole procedure seemed to me like a high tech operation.

However, I got the privilege to get behind the scenes last June, as part of the course curriculum of MBBS degree, each student from the department of forensic medicine ought to view and report on at least ten autopsies. Our coveted visit to DMC morgue was scheduled and as the day dawned, I was filled with a mixed feeling of anticipation, that came from the part of me being a 4th yr medical student and also, fear that could be well explained as part of the normal response of any blood and flesh human being.

The alley leading to the morgue was dark and a heavy odour hung in the air. A narrow iron stairway led to a room in the first floor especially designed for the convenience of the students .It was an U- shaped platform, with steel railings and as each of us stood along side it, we could view the actual autopsy room below. A female dead body was placed on the floor, a medical officer sat on a chair at one corner and three domes were preparing the instruments for incisions. It took a while for me to get settled and absorb the whole thing. After the official and legal formalities were completed, the professor started the procedure. Every detail of the external findings of the body were noted, including a description of the outfit, marks of injury and stains. A dome with his expert hands quickly gave a 'Y' incision on the body with a sharp knife, exposing the interior. Some of us reeled at the move. As it was a suspected case of poisoning, part of liver, kidneys, intestines and the whole of stomach were preserved in plastic containers to be sent to the forensic laboratory at Mohakhali for chemical analysis. The post mortem opinion in such cases were kept pending until arrival of the reports. The professor pointed to us every important details and we were asked questions. Within this time two new bodies arrived. One a case of hanging and another of a shootout. Next the skull was opened noisily with the help of chisel and hammer, while my inside screamed out at the audacity of the act. The brain was taken out and examined, before replacing it into the cranial cavity. Soon the examination was completed. The incisions were sewed up within minutes and it actually looked as if nothing was amiss!

(Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College, Dhaka.)

Sleepy eyes, a bundle of books, a totally frustrated and disgusted look on their faces tell us that this person is a student.

So early in the morning, Rajib a regular student waits in a bus queue. The scorching sun takes all his sleepiness away while the next passenger standing behind him speaks of load shedding, traffic jam and mismanagement of the government all by himself. Now who in this world would be interested to talk about national issues when you have an assignment to finish? Rajib waits till the bus arrives after half an hour! Finally he boards Thai airways branded `torongo '. Rajib was lucky to get a seat but not lucky enough to stay away from the crowd. Rajib already starts cursing his father not to allow him to use the car! Suddenly a lady bumps into him with all her weight! Next there was a big load of cartage kept in front of him! He now can't even keep his feet free!

As time passes the crowd increases in every stoppage. Every time the bus breaks he collides with the lady who bumped into him! The lady looked like she was going to kill Rajib! To add to his distress, bad oudor starts reeking from the passengers. Holding back the left over oxygen in him, he tried to think of something else when the bus stopped in traffic jam beside a huge dustbin smelling of rotten wastage. Now he almost choked.

By now Rajib starts to enjoy overhearing others cell phone conversations. Some talk about pending deals and others give the excuse of traffic jam for being supper late for office. The passenger seating beside him is already asleep and snores even in such smelly and heated weather! Finally the driver pulled the breaks when Rajib stumbled over the lady once again who stepped into him earlier. This time is was much more worse as she starts babbling once again for not showing respect and leaving seats for women and all that. Just before Rajib was about to explode with anger, he got off from the bus and started walking. Minutes later he realized that he was dropped off in the wrong stand! Till now, sometimes he wonders when the public transport system of Bangladesh will improve so that he can have a nice journey to his destinations.

(Student of NSU)