Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/23095
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Type: Journal article
Title: Fatal electrocution in adults - A 30-year study
Author: Wick, R.
Gilbert, J.
Simpson, E.
Byard, R.
Citation: Medicine Science and the Law, 2006; 46(2):166-172
Publisher: Chiltern Publishing
Issue Date: 2006
ISSN: 0025-8024
2042-1818
Abstract: A retrospective study was undertaken of all cases of death in adults (>16 years) due to electrocution which were autopsied at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia, over a 30-year period from 1973 to 2002. A total of 96 cases were identified with 87 males (91%) (mean age=41.6 years; range 17 to 86 years) and nine females (9%) (mean age=49.2 years; range 20 to 76 years). Deaths were due to accidents in 66 cases (69%; M:F = 63:3), suicides in 28 cases (29%; M:F=24:4) and homicides in two cases (2%). Both homicide victims were females, with females accounting for only 5% of the accidents and 14% of suicides. The number of accidental deaths increased until the early 1990s and then declined, whereas suicidal electrocutions were only found in the last 20 years of the study. Most deaths (N = 80; 83%) were due to low voltage circuits (<1000 volts), with deaths due to high voltages occurring in 15 cases (16%). One death was due to lightning (1%). While suicides were evenly distributed throughout the year, most accidental deaths occurred in late spring and summer (N = 42; 64%) with the lowest number of accidental deaths occurring in winter and early spring. This report demonstrates a significantly higher rate of electrocution deaths among males, with a summer predominance of accidental deaths, most likely due to increased outdoor activities in better weather. The reduction in cases over the last decade of the study may be a reflection of the success of workplace and domestic safety campaigns. Female electrocution suicides and electrocution homicides were rare events.
Keywords: Humans
Burns, Electric
Electric Injuries
Autopsy
Risk Factors
Retrospective Studies
Suicide
Accidents
Homicide
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Middle Aged
South Australia
Female
Male
DOI: 10.1258/rsmmsl.46.2.166
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/rsmmsl.46.2.166
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 2
Pathology publications

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