Lightning

Is an electrical charge in the atmosphere. Its cause of occurrence and intensity is unpredictable. The flash of lightning is due to the passage from a thunder cloud to the earth of a direct electric current

of enormous potential amounting to something about 2,000 amperes.

Because of the enormous power of destruction, it is capable of producing injury to the human body. Elements of lightning that produce injury.

1. Direct effect from the electrical charge. 2. Surface flush burns from the discharge.

3. Mechanical Effect. 4. Compression Effect.

Points to be considered in making diagnosis of death from lightning.

1. History of thunderstorm that took place in the locality.

2. Evidence of the effects of lightning are found in the vicinity like damage houses, trees, and other objects, death of other persons and animals nearby.

3. Absence of wound and other injuries indicating suicidal or homicide death.

4. Skin often shows arborescence marking due to superficial erythematic. 5. Burns may be present but only limited to the part under the pieces of metals such as watch, knife or

bunch of keys.

Classes of burns due to lightning.

1. Surface burns usually seen under metallic object worn of carried by the victim. 2. Linear burns found where the areas of the skin offer less resistance. (moist creases and folds of the

skin) 3. Arborescence or filigree burns these are radiating burns from a point, similar to the electrocution.

Effects of lightning to human body.

Death is usually the immediate effect due to the involvement of the central nervous system. The shock is produce by the instantaneous anemia of the brain brought about by the spasmodic

contraction of the cerebral vessel. It may also cause immediate loss of consciousness.

Medico Legal Aspect

Investigation of death due to lightning is not by itself of any medico legal interest for it is an accidental death. No one can be held responsible to the effect of the fortuitous event.

Death or Physical injuries from Electricity.

The main cause of death in electricity is shock. Ordinary domestic line is from 100-250 volts and it is sufficient to produce death.

The effect of 300 volts maybe similar to lightning shocks. Voltage is not only factor causing injury. As a matter of fact amperage or intensity of the electrical

current is the principal factor. The presence of moist skin, wet floor, barefoot, proximity of metals, increase the conductivity of the

body to electricity. Factors which influence the effect of electrical shock

Personal idiosyncrasy- physical condition and the existence of metal. Disease person suffering from cardiac disease is predispose to death from electrical shock. Anticipation of shock. Sleep increases the resistance of electric current. Electrical voltage or tension most fatalities are followed by a shock from a current at a tension of 220

250 volts. Amperage or intensity of electric current principal factor. Density of current. Resistance of a body factors that will reduce the resistance of the body to the electrical flow will

promote more injury.

Nature of the current alternating current is more dangerous from direct current. Duration of contact low tension may kill when contact is maintained from several minutes. (a shorter

duration of contact is enough for high tension to produce death) Point of entry contact of left side of the body is claimed to be more dangerous than that of the right

side.

Mechanism of Death in electrical shock.

Ventricular fibrillation which may lead to the rupture of some of the muscle fibers and focal hemorrhages in low voltage.

Respiratory failure due to bulbar paralysis in high voltage. Mechanical asphyxia due to violent and prolonged convulsion.

Nature of Electrical burns

Electrical necrosis some call it electrical marks or current marking which may be seen at the point of

entrance and exit of the current.

Electric marks are painless and show no vital reaction when accompanied by burns.

Repair is by a process of aseptic necrosis, followed by luxuriant granulation and healing leaves a smooth, thin, and pink scar.

Treatment

Remove the victim from live wire installation. Artificial respiration which must continue for about an hour until positive proof of death is present. Treatment of shock or coma cerebral edema may be treated by lumbar puncture.

Medico legal aspect

Death by electrocution is mostly accidental but it could be suicidal or homicide. Accidental electrocution usually occur in grounded laundry line, stove, and outlets.