A retrospective descriptive study of electrocution deaths in Gauteng, South Africa : 2001–2004

Abstract

There is a paucity of data with regards to non-lightning, electrical-related injuries in sub-Saharan Africa. A review of the South African medical literature also shows a dearth of electrocution-related information. This study aimed to retrospectively review all high- and low-voltage-electrocution-fatality cases in Gauteng, South Africa for the period 2001–2004. Altogether, 126 electrocution-related deaths were identified, of which 91 cases represented low-voltage-electrocution deaths and 35 represented high-voltage-electrocution deaths. All cases were reviewed from a demographic and pathology-of-trauma point of view. This study serves to illustrate the high number of electrocution-related fatality cases in the region as compared with the rest of the world. It also serves to highlight the need for more active research and attention in this field.