AN OBSERVATION STUDY OF DEATH OCCURRED FROM ELECTROCUTION IN RURAL AREAS IN LUCKNOW, UP

Abstract

Introduction: Direct electrical shock can cause electrocution, which can cause burns or organ failure. Contact with live parts, power lines, machinery, and ignorance are common causes. Safety awareness, especially in rural regions, is needed because electrical burns kill. In emerging nations, poor infrastructure and education increase danger. Electrocution in remote areas requires analysis for personalised prevention, infrastructure improvement, resource allocation, and healthcare access, addressing this multifaceted public health issue.

Aim and objectives: This study examines electrocution deaths in rural Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The goal is to understand these situations and establish prevention measures.

Method: A retrospective study from October 2018 to September 2019examined 50 cases of electrical burn deaths at the Forensic and Toxicology Department, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Mau, Sitapur,Lucknow, (U.P.). The research delved into epidemiological and medico-legal aspects using data from autopsy reports, hospital files, and investigative reports. Factors studied included age, gender, shock type, body part affected, accident location, and potential risk factors. Inclusion criteria covered consenting adults with complete data, while exclusion criteria involved inconsistent information or uncooperative guardians. Researchers, including university students and trained investigators, evaluated data daily.

Result: Table 1 shows that 76% of 50 instances were accidents, highlighting unintended deaths. Table 2 shows that 60% of cases contain entry burn marks, illustrating burn injury patterns. Table 4 shows that electrical wires (24%) and stoves (18%) cause electrocutions, emphasising the need for electrical safety awareness. The gendered dataset in Figure 1 shows 78% male incidences, requiring more examination. Warmer months have more occurrences, as shown in Figure 2. Upper extremity injuries account for 61% of injuries (Figure 3).

Conclusion: The study concludes that there is more males who was affected with electrocution and eventually died and there is more work-related electrocution.

Keywords: electrocution, rural areas, burn injury, death