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What are the symptoms of death by electric shock?

Nov 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of electric shock death include current marks, skin burns, arrhythmia, respiratory arrest, and limb rigidity. If such conditions are observed, professional medical personnel should be contacted immediately for emergency treatment. It is essential to strengthen awareness of electrical safety in daily life, regularly inspect electrical wires, sockets, and other equipment, promptly replace damaged components, and avoid touching electrical appliances with wet hands. If someone is found to be electrocuted,

Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of electric shock death include electric current marks, skin burns, arrhythmia, respiratory arrest, and limb rigidity. If any of these conditions are observed, professional medical personnel should be contacted immediately for treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Electric Current Marks

When electric current passes through the skin into the body, it generates intense heat that causes local tissue coagulation, resulting in a specific injury known as an electric current mark. These marks are typically round or oval, grayish-white or yellowish-brown in color, with clear, slightly raised borders and a central depression.

2. Skin Burns

The Joule heating effect generated by electric current can directly burn the skin. The severity of the burn correlates with the current intensity and duration of contact. Mild cases may present as redness and blistering; severe cases can lead to tissue carbonization, charring, or exposure of subcutaneous tissues.

3. Arrhythmia

Electric current can interfere with the heart's normal electrical activity, disrupting the rhythmic contraction of myocardial tissue and triggering serious arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation is a common manifestation, in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively, rapidly leading to ischemia in vital organs.

4. Respiratory Arrest

Electric current may damage the respiratory center or paralyze respiratory muscles, impairing respiratory regulation and causing respiratory arrest. Without breathing, oxygen cannot be taken in, worsening tissue hypoxia and accelerating the progression toward death.

5. Limb Rigidity

Electric current stimulates muscles, causing strong and sustained contractions, resulting in limb rigidity. This manifests as stiff limbs and fixed joints. Some patients may assume a curled-up or fully extended posture that cannot be easily repositioned passively.

It is essential to strengthen awareness of electrical safety in daily life, regularly inspect electrical wiring, sockets, and other equipment, and promptly replace any damaged components. Avoid touching electrical appliances with wet hands. If someone is electrocuted, immediately cut off the power supply before administering aid—never pull the victim directly. If the victim shows signs of abnormal breathing or cardiac arrest, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and call emergency services to maximize the chance of successful treatment.

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