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

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. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.