Still J, Orlet H, Law E, Wheeler M, Pickens H
Columbia-Augusta Medical Center, Georgia, USA.
Burns. 1997 Nov-Dec;23(7-8):573-5. doi: 10.1016/s0305-4179(97)00060-0.
Electrocution due to contact of construction equipment with power lines is not uncommon as a source of industrial injury. We report seven such cases. Two patients sustained cardiac arrest and were successfully resuscitated at the scene. Four patients lost consciousness and in two cases, amnesia for the event was encountered. No long-term cardiac or neurologic effects were noted. Surgery including amputation was sometimes required. In all cases, the patient was on the ground touching the machinery or touching cables connected to the machinery at the time of injury. The importance of exercising due care in industrial safety measures is stressed. Prompt CPR was life saving in two cases.
