Characteristics of Lethal Electrical Injuries in Bulgaria
Author Information
Author(s): William Dokov
Primary Institution: Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
Hypothesis
What is the incidence and characterization of electrical traumas in Bulgaria?
Conclusion
Electro-trauma typically affects young men, with more work-related accidents than domestic ones, and injuries from low voltage are more common than high voltage.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of lethal injuries caused by electricity is 1.29 cases per 100000 people per year.
- Men make up 85% of the victims of electrical injuries.
- Low-voltage injuries are more common than high-voltage injuries.
- 62.68% of lethal cases occur in summer, particularly from June to September.
- Suicides by electrocution are rare, accounting for only 7.21% of cases.
- Homicides have not been registered in the study.
Takeaway
This study looked at people who died from electric shocks in Bulgaria and found that most were young men, and it happened more often in the summer.
Methodology
The study analyzed forensic medical documentation from 485 autopsies over 27 years in 6 districts of Bulgaria.
Limitations
The study is limited to specific districts in Bulgaria and may not represent the entire country.
Participant Demographics
The majority of victims were men (85%) with an average age of 37.3 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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