Investigation of deaths related to electrical injury

Even though the use of electricity is an integral part of our lives, the number of accidents and deaths related to electricity is on the decline. This is due to increased awareness of electrical hazards and, in large part, to increased inclusion of safety mechanisms by manufacturers. However rare, electrical injury and related death can present a complicated case in the emergency department and for death investigators. Sometimes the circumstances of the physical scene are unclear because of intentional or accidental alterations or the investigator's inability to reconstruct events leading to the injury. This may hinder the initial clinical assessment. We present cases of typical and atypical deaths from electrical injury and review clinical and investigative procedures to assist in the treatment of patients with electrical injuries.