Evaluation of Demographic Characteristics and Some Laboratory Findings of Patients Presenting to Emergency Department Due to Electric Shock

Year 2019, Volume: 7 Issue: Ek - IRUPEC 2019 Kongresi Tam Metin Bildirileri, 572 - 575, 10.12.2019

İbaa Yahya

Abstract

Electric Shocks (ES) is a problem that can cause many clinical symptoms from mild skin burns to life – threatening conditions and can be evaluated as a type of trauma in which the whole age group is at risk; at the same time, it continues to be a problem that can be prevented by some measures to be taken in our country as in the whole world (1). With the increase in technological advances, the control and widespread use of electricity has led to an increase in the number of injuries due to electric shock. According to US data, approximately 17,000 cases apply to emergency services due to electric shock per year and approximately 1000 people, %10 of whom are children, lose their lives (1 – 3).
The morbidity and mortality due to electrical shock generally varies according to different electrical current types and contact points. Generally, the mortality rate is higher in those who exposed to high voltage (>1000 volts). In low voltage (<1000 volts) which is commonly used in households and alternating current, frequent death is observed as it causes more frequent rhythm disturbances such as ventricular fibrillation. Apart from the amount of voltage, the damage can also vary depending on factors such as resistance of the skin, mucosa and internal organs, type of current (direct – alternative), exposure time, current path and body’s resistance to the current (4 – 5).
The mechanism by which electric shocks cause damage is explained in three main lines. The first of these; direct effects of electric current on the human body. In the second type of injury; electrical energy is converted into heat energy without direct contact and burns deep and superficial tissues. Last one; injuries due to muscle contraction or ejection effects. Determination of risk factors and mechanisms is important in terms of precautions and treatment (6 – 7).
Electric shock is a type of trauma that can cause psychological and physical damage and cause negative effects in the society. Determination of the demographic characteristics and risk factors of electric shocks will allow the development of effective prevention methods and the reduction of such injuries (8) . Therefore, in this study; discussion of demographic characteristics, types of electrical current, laboratory findings, effect of age factor on outcome, measures to reduce mortality and morbidity of the patients who applied to the emergency department of Selcuk University Medical Faculty due to electric shock in the last 5 years, planned.

Keywords

Evaluation

References

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