ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Electrocution: A Review of 155 Cases with Emphasis on Human Factors
Kao, G
AFIP, DC

Mellen, PF
Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, DC

Mellen, PF
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, DC

Weedn, VW
Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), DC

(Received 2 August 1991; accepted 21 November 1991)

Abstract

A total of 155 cases of electrocution were investigated to determine the role of human factors, such as carelessness and intoxication, as contributions. The cases were retrieved by computer conding from the repository of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, covering the period 1955–1988. The cases are predominantly of military origin. Cases were divided into low-voltage electrocution (N = 47), high-voltage electrocution (N = 79), lightning strikes (N = 16), and unclassified (N = 13). For each group, data is presented on the circumstances of the incident and the pathologic and toxicologic findings. Blatant carelessness, misuse or improper maintenance of equipment, and intoxication are analyzed as contributory factors.

Keywords:
pathology and biology electrocution, lightning, accidents, human factors, alcohol

Paper ID: JFS13287J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13287J
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