Electrocution

Question 1

What are the factors affecting outcome of an electrocution?

Answer 1

AC or DC
Amperage
Frequency 
Duration of contact 
Pathway of current (across thorax)

Resistance of tissue (dry&raquo_space;»> wet)
Voltage >100

Question 2

What are the mechanisms of death in electrocution?

Answer 2

Heart fibrillation

Respiratory muscle paralysis

Brainstem injuries

Burns

Question 3

How does electrocution occur?

Answer 3

Entry point
Pathway
Exit point

Muscle spasm (flexor>extensors)
Can’t let go
>50mA across thorax cause Vfib
Specially AC

If arrhythmia death - pale skin
If respiratory/ brainstem death - cyanosis

Question 4

How do you identify an electrical injury?

Answer 4

Has to be a well localized entry/exit point

Thermal lesions (burn)
Joule burn
Spark burn
Arc burn

Joule burn
Blister
Raised rim margin
Central red concavity
Surrounding zone of pallor
Hyperemic rim

Spark burn
Central nodule of fused keratin brown yellow
Areola of pale skin