Rajesh Ban Goswami

Abstract

Lightning is a massive electrostatic discharge caused by the circulation of warm moisture-filled air through unbalanced electric field in the atmosphere, accompanied by the loud sound of thunder. Aims & Objectives : The present study was conducted to ascertain the pattern of lightning cases along with distribution of cases based on age, sex, season, location, activity of the victim and injury pattern in the corpse. Materials & Methods : The present cross sectional retrospective study was carried out in the department of Forensic Medicine at Govt. Medical College, Raigarh, CG. All autopsy cases of lightning deaths from 2018 to 2019 (two years) were considered for the study. Discussion : Most of the deceased were in the age group of 31-40 years. All incidents happened in open field. High incidence of lightning deaths occurred during monsoon season and peak incidence in evening hours. In most cases arborescent mark was found as pathognomonic finding. Conclusion : Lightning incidents are always accidental in nature. They are fatal and need prompt resuscitative measures. Lightning injuries have bizarre presentation in the body, therefore the autopsy surgeon needs meticulous and detailed methodical approach during autopsy. Keywords: Lightning, Electric, Thunder, Corpse, Autopsy

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Abstract

Introduction: In our country mortality due to electrical injuries in maximum cases are due to unawareness and less safety measures adopted by the consumers and this is comparable with other countries. This study was conducted with the academic purpose and to assist the investigating agencies to arrive at proper conclusion in fatal electrocution cases. Materials and Methods: The present cross sectional retrospective study of electrocution death cases was carried out in the Dept. of Forensic Medicine at Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Govt. Medical College, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. In this study autopsy records of all electrocution death cases, which were autopsied at K. G. H. mortuary, Raigarh during the period of 04 years (2015- 2019) were included for research purpose. Results and Observations: In the present study electrocution cases were 2.18% of total autopsy cases. In our study maximum number of victims belong to the age group of 11-30 years and males (81.63%) were more in number than females. Maximum number of cases occurred during rainy season (44.9%) and were accidental (85.71%) in nature. Household low voltage current (57.14%) was associated with maximum number of mortality cases. In our study entry wound was found in most of the cases. The burn injuries were found over upper extremities (53.06%) in maximum cases and the degree of burn was dermo-epidermal in most cases. Conclusion: Most of the electrocution cases were occurring due to low voltage current in males during rainy season and accidental in nature. Keywords: Electrocution, Rainy, Accidental, Mortality, Entry Wound, Dermo-epidermal.

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