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Is an electrical charge in the atmosphere. Its

cause of occurrence and intensity is

unpredictable.

The flash of lightning is due to the passage from

a thunder cloud to the earth of a direct electric

current of enormous potential amounting to

something about 2,000 amperes.

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Because of the enormous power of destruction, it is

capable of producing injury to the human body.

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1. Direct effect from the electrical charge.

2. Surface flush burns from the discharge.

3. Mechanical Effect.

4. Compression Effect.

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1. History of thunderstorm that took place in

the locality.2. Evidence of the effects of lightning are

found in the vicinity like damage houses,

trees, and other objects, death of otherpersons and animals nearby.

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3. Absence of wound and other injuries

indicating suicidal or homicide death.

4. Skin often shows arborescence marking

due to superficial erythematic.

5. Burns may be present but only limited to

the part under the pieces of metals suchas watch, knife or bunch of keys.

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1. Surface burnsusually seen under

metallic object worn of carried by the

victim.

2. Linear burnsfound where the areas ofthe skin offer less resistance. (moist

creases and folds of the skin)

3. Arborescence or filigree burnstheseare radiating burns from a point, similar to

the electrocution.

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Death is usually the immediate effect due

to the involvement of the central nervous

system.

The shock is produce by theinstantaneous anemia of the brain brought

about by the spasmodic contraction of the

cerebral vessel. It may also cause immediate loss of

consciousness.

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Investigation of death due to lightning is

not by itself of any medico legal interest

for it is an accidental death. No one canbe held responsible to the effect of the

fortuitous event.

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The main cause of death in electricity is shock.

Ordinary domestic line is from 100-250 volts and

it is sufficient to produce death. The effect of 300 volts maybe similar to lightning

shocks.

Voltage is not only factor causing injury. As a

matter of fact amperage or intensity of the

electrical current is the principal factor.

The presence of moist skin, wet floor, barefoot,

proximity of metals, increase the conductivity ofthe body to electricity.

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Personal idiosyncrasy- physical conditionand the existence of metal.

Disease person suffering from cardiac

disease is predispose to death fromelectrical shock.

Anticipation of shock.

Sleep increases the resistance ofelectric current.

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Electrical voltage or tensionmost fatalities are

followed by a shock from a current at a tension

of 220250 volts.Amperage or intensity of electric current

principal factor.

Density of current.

Resistance of a body factors that will reduce

the resistance of the body to the electrical flow

will promote more injury.

Nature of the current alternating current ismore dangerous from direct current.

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Duration of contact low tension may kill

when contact is maintained from severalminutes. (a shorter duration of contact is

enough for high tension to produce death)

Point of entry contact of left side of thebody is claimed to be more dangerous

than that of the right side.

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Ventricular fibrillation which may lead to the

rupture of some of the muscle fibers and focal

hemorrhages in low voltage.

Respiratory failure due to bulbar paralysis inhigh voltage.

Mechanical asphyxia due to violent and

prolonged convulsion.

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Electrical necrosis some call it electrical marks or

current marking which may be seen at the point

of entrance and exit of the current.

Electric marks are painless and show no vitalreaction when accompanied by burns.

Repair is by a process of aseptic necrosis,

followed by luxuriant granulation and healing

leaves a smooth, thin, and pink scar.

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Remove the victim from live wireinstallation.

Artificial respiration which must continue

for about an hour until positive proof ofdeath is present.

Treatment of shock or coma cerebral

edema may be treated by lumbarpuncture.

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Death by electrocution is mostly accidental

but it could be suicidal or homicide.

Accidental electrocution usually occur ingrounded laundry line, stove, and outlets.

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