Electrocution - Wikipedia
Electrocution is death or severe injury [a] caused by electric shock from electric current passing through the body. The word is derived from "electro" and "execution", but it is also used for accidental death. …
First Aid for an Electric Shock or Electric Injury
Jan 19, 2024 · It can happen anywhere there’s electricity. Exact effects vary depending on the electrical source. For instance, shocks from outlets in houses are often mild, while shocks from power lines …
Electric shock: Effects on body, severity, and first aid
Mar 19, 2025 · High risk occupations for electrocutions include: Electrical currents cause four main types of injuries: Flash: A flash injury typically causes superficial burns. These occur due to the heat of...
The electrophysiology of electrocution - PMC
Electrocution is a death caused by an application of electrical current to the human body. In this article, we review salient historical research and describe the scientific advances that support ventricular …
Electric Shock: Causes, Effects, & Treatment Options
Oct 15, 2025 · Call 911 if someone has an electric shock, especially if they have signs like irregular heartbeat or difficulty breathing. To avoid electric shock at home, cover outlets and ensure wires are …
Minor Electric Shocks and Burns: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - WebMD
Apr 27, 2025 · About 1,000 people in the United States die each year as a result of electrocution. Most of these deaths are related to on-the-job injuries. Many things determine what injuries may occur, if any.
Electrocution | History, Pros & Cons | Britannica
Electrocution was first adopted in 1888 in New York as a quicker and more humane alternative to hanging. Two years later, on August 6, 1890, New York state initiated its electric chair, executing …
Electrical shock: First aid - Mayo Clinic
Jun 18, 2024 · Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, use a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood to move the source away from you and the injured person. Begin CPR …
What Really Happens When Current Passes Through the Body?
May 21, 2024 · Electrocution refers to a fatal electrical shock — the term itself comes from combining “electricity” and “execution.” Electrical injury, on the other hand, describes non-fatal encounters with …
Electrical Injuries - Injuries and Poisoning - Merck Manual Consumer ...
Doctors check the person for abnormal heart rhythms, fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord or other injuries. Abnormal heart rhythms are monitored, burns are treated, and, if the burn caused extensive …