Electric Shocks

Electric shocks are the cause of around 1,000 deaths a year. This amounts to approximately 1% of all accidental deaths in the United States, annually. While these incidents are generally easily avoided if one takes the proper precautions, accidents do still happen and injuries or even deaths will occur. Most commonly, these incidents take place on-the-job.

Causes of Electric Shocks

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At-home electric shock incidents are not as common as those sustained from an injury at work, mostly because the type of electricity available in the average household is of a lower voltage and the appliances found inside one's home do not draw as much current to operate. Work situations commonly present the opportunity for electrocution through tampering with or improperly using high-voltage machinery.

At home shocks, while oftentimes not as severe, can still be quite dangerous and result in injury to the involved individual. Opportunities for electrocutions within the household present themselves when there are faulty appliances present, when there are exposed wired or frayed power cords, when power outlets or receptacles are overloaded with too many items, or when water and electrical appliances come into contact with each other. Curious children also have a tendency to poke their fingers in new places, such as electrical outlets, and this habit can have extremely damaging results.

Symptoms of Electric Shocks

People who have sustained an electric shock can exhibit a number of symptoms, which vary in severity based on the type of electrocution they experienced. The intensity of the shock depends on a combination of many different things, including the following:

·         Amount of voltage present

·         Amount of current draw

·         Amount of time the individual is exposed to the electrical source

·         Path the current takes through the body

·         Type of current

These factors have the potential to combine in a manner that can result in extreme injury or even death.

People who experience a minor shock will oftentimes feel a tingling sensation in the area of contact but not much else. As the intensity of the electrocution increases, the symptoms become more and more severe. Victims of electric shock may experience entrance and exit burns, a loss of consciousness, inability to breathe, or, in the worst case, cardiac arrest.

Electric Shocks

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