A Profile of Electrocution Deaths

Electricity is essential for modern human life and is extensively used for domestic and occupational purposes both in developed and developing countries. Electrical injuries are becoming an emerging health problem in low-income countries due to extensive usage of electricity by general public and less awareness of safety issues among them. The present study is a retrospective study undertaken in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, to determine the electrocution deaths brought for autopsy during the period of January 2015 to December 2017. Total 34 cases were studied and it was observed that all electrocution-related deaths are accidental in nature, common in males between age group of 21–30 years. Workplace and household surroundings are commonest place of accidents, and electric cable wires are the commonest agent. The most common sites of electrical contact wound were the upper extremities, abrasions and contusions were the most common non fatal mechanical injuries in electrocution deaths. In conclusion, death due to electrocution should be investigated properly for the purpose of compensation and safety measures as it is one of the preventable causes of death.