Retrospective Study of Profile of Deaths Due to Fatal Electrocution Injuries in the Jammu Region of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

Authors

  • Sandhya Arora
  • Vinka Maini

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14402

Keywords:

Electrocution deaths, forensic Autopsy, Entry and Exit marks, accidental death

Abstract

Background: Electrocution injury is due to passage of a substantial electrical current through the tissue,
which can cause skin lesions, organ damage, and death. Due to scarcity of typical autopsy findings in
electrocution and unclear circumstances of death, many a times cause of death remains undiagnosed. Present
study was retrospective, autopsy-oriented study, aimed to study profile of deaths due to fatal electrocution
injuries in the Jammu region of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. During study period 40 cases
of electrocution were autopsied at our center. During study period, 1.23% incidence was noted for fatal
electrocution deaths. In present study majority of the victims were men (78 %), with a male: female ratio
of 3.5:1. Most common age group was 21–30 years (43 %)& upper limbs (58 %) were most common body
parts involved. 53 % cases had both entry & exit marks while in 15 % cases no entry or exit marks were
noted. Most of the electrocution deaths were accidental, common in males, in the rainy season & most
of the deaths were either instantaneous or immediate. Most of the electrocution deaths are preventable in
nature and they can be prevented by implementing proper education programs, widespread usage of safety
appliances and insulators, keeping electric appliances in child proof cabinets.

Author Biographies

  • Sandhya Arora

    Associate Professor Deptt of Forensic Medicine GMC Jammu

  • Vinka Maini

    Lecturer Deptt of Forensic Medicine GMC Jammu

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Published

2021-03-24

How to Cite

Retrospective Study of Profile of Deaths Due to Fatal Electrocution Injuries in the Jammu Region of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(2), 747-752. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14402