Introduction: Suicide jump is the most common cause of fatal falls from height. Victims may be affected by ethanol or other psychoactive substances at the time of the jump. Aim of the study is to analyse cases of suicide by jumping from height, with a focus on the role of psychoactive substances. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of cases of suicides by jumping from height autopsied at Bratislava workplaces of forensic medicine between 2005 – 2014. The analysis was based on a complete case files, autopsy results and toxicology tests. Results: There were identified 226 deaths by suicide jumping from height in the analysed cohort. There were 62 % of men and 38 % of women involved. Mean age was 49 years. The average drop height was 20.5 meters. Ethanol in a concentration higher than 0.21 g/kg was determined in 23 % of cases. Other psychoactive substances were determined in 16 % of cases. A suicide note was left behind in 8 % of cases, attempted suicide in the past showed 11 % of cases. History of psychiatric treatment was in 32 % of cases. A history of the cancer was present in 7 % of cases. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate the possible influence of individuals by ethanol and other psychoactive substances at the time of the jump from height. Ingestion of these substances in cases of suicide cannot be completely avoided. The study confirmed that neither regular psychiatric care and/or treatment cannot always prevent suicide.

Key words: suicide – jump from height – psychoactive substances – ethanol – autopsy – toxicological analysis