Case history
Case history #1
A 25-year-old man was working on an electrical outlet in his house. His wife heard a loud crackling sound and upon entering the room her husband was working in, found him slumped on the floor. She turned off the electricity. Her husband was unresponsive and did not have a pulse.
Case history #2
A 66-year-old male golfer was found on a fairway during a thunderstorm. His clothing appeared scorched and he was unresponsive with an absent pulse and no respirations.
Other presentations
Most cases of electrical injury have no significant sequelae; however, they may present with multiple trauma, and, unless witnessed, the electrical injury that caused the trauma may not be readily apparent. Information from witnesses concerning the injury can be critical, especially if the patient is unconscious.
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