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Electrocution in South Delhi: a retrospective study
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029 India. rautjiravi@hotmail.com
Medicine, Science, and the Law
|December 6, 2003
Summary
This study analyzed 153 autopsy cases of electrocution in South Delhi. Most deaths occurred at the scene, with factors like age, sex, and season influencing outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Electrocution remains a significant cause of accidental and intentional deaths.
- Understanding the demographics and circumstances surrounding electrocution fatalities is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze autopsy data of electrocution cases in South Delhi.
- To identify patterns related to victim demographics, incident circumstances, and injury characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 153 autopsy reports and hospital records from South Delhi (1996-2001).
- Data collected included victim age, sex, season, time of day, location, and presence of electrical burns.
- Cases constituted approximately 1.98% of all autopsies at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Main Results:
- Electrocution accounted for a small percentage of total autopsies.
- Most fatalities (150/153) occurred at the incident scene.
- Analysis included victim demographics, environmental factors, and wound patterns; some cases lacked typical burn marks.
Conclusions:
- Electrocution deaths in South Delhi exhibit specific demographic and circumstantial patterns.
- Further research into cases without visible burns is warranted.
- Findings can inform targeted public health and safety interventions.