Profile of electrocution deaths - A 3-year retrospective study Sumangala CN1, Patil VR2,* 1Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru 2Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru *Corresponding Author, Dr. Varsha R. Patil, Email: dr.varshapatil93@gmail.com, Mobile No.: +91 8431087703
Online Published on 2 January, 2024. Abstract Electricity is no longer a privilege, instead a necessity. However, when 3.2% of the accidental deaths in 2021 are due to electrocution (n=12529), one must study the factors that result in such deaths so that the law enforcing and safety regulating agencies have a database to refer to while formulating laws. This is a retrospective study done in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Victoria hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru. Data was collected using records from January 2018 to December 2022 during which 53 cases of deaths due to electrocution were autopsied. Using a proforma, information with respect to sociodemographic factors, autopsy findings and cause of death was collected and analysed. On analysing the data collected, 0.6%, 0.7% and 0.7% (n= 14, 17, 22) of the total number of cases in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively were due to electrocution. A total of 53 cases were studied among which 45 were males (85%) and the rest were females. The highest number of cases (31%, n=17) were found in the 3rd decade of life. 40 cases (77%) were Hindus. Among the employed, 30.8% of them were electricians and 15.4% of them were construction workers. 27 cases had entry wounds at different sites on the upper limbs (19 in the right upper limb and 8 in the left upper limb). Visceral congestion, petechial haemorrhages in brain, lungs and heart were the common internal findings seen. Deaths due to electrocution need not present in a specific manner. Absence of entry wounds or exit wounds or both does not rule out electrocution. External examination and meticulous history taking is crucial to arrive at the cause of death. Top Keywords Autopsy, Electrocution, Entry wounds, Exit wounds. Top |