Electrical injuries refer to the harm inflicted on tissues due to an electric current flowing through the body, coupled with the heat generated by this process. The body’s internal tissues, which are moist and saline, serve as efficient conductors of electricity.
Dry skin offers significant resistance to electrical currents, whereas moist skin, having low resistance, allows a more substantial current to penetrate the body. As a result, serious injuries or even fatalities from household voltage levels are more likely to happen when water is involved.
Except for the most minor electrical shocks, most could result in a loss of consciousness. Alternating current (AC) poses a higher risk than direct current (DC) as it leads to prolonged muscle contractions that might prevent the victim from letting go of the current’s source. A minimal current of just 0.1 amp traversing the heart can induce a fatal arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. If the same current passes through the brainstem, it could halt both heartbeat and respiration.
Higher amounts of electrical current can result in tissue charring, particularly at the points where the current enters and exits the body.