Burns from buried electric cables

Twenty-six patients who sustained significant burn injuries as a result of striking underground electric cables are reviewed. This study sets out to highlight why such injuries occur and to recommend preventive measures to those digging in the London area. There were three deaths in this series.

Principles and hazards of electrocautery in otolaryngology

Electrocautery is used extensively in otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Its commonplace use and excellent safety record may lull the surgeon from heeding the device's potential dangers. User error causes the majority of patient injuries. A thorough understanding of the electrophysical principles and hazards is essential for even the occasional user. Three cases of electrosurgical injury are reported to demonstrate problem areas in electrocautery usage. The basic electrophysical properties are described, and guidelines for prevention of injury to the patient are reviewed.

The electric kettle flex--a cause for concern

A study of 153 preschool children admitted to a subregional burns unit over a 4-year period revealed 23 who had sustained scalds by pulling on kettle flexes. The dangers of dangling kettle flexes have been noted in the past. However, identifying problems and undertaking education programmes to warn against them has a limited effect on accident prevention. The recent introduction of 'curly' cables makes the prospect of active prevention considerably simpler.

Electrical injuries due to railway high tension cables

We have noted a large number of young boys being admitted to our Unit with burns due to railway high tension cables. On review of these cases we have noted: most of the burns were due to arcing, there is a high level of ignorance among the population at risk. We propose some ways of preventing these injuries.

Electrical impedance properties of the body and the problem of alternate-site burns during electrosurgery

The radiofrequency (RF) impedance at 500 kHz was measured between multiple contact points on the bodies of six healthy volunteers by a tetrapolar measurement technique. The impedance between various contact points was predictable and could increase by a factor of two, depending on the sites selected for electrode application. These results were related to a simple resistive model of RF current distribution through the body. Based on the model and on data from human subjects, a hierarchy of optimal locations was developed to minimize the impedance between a surgical site and a dispersive electrode site and to reduce the potential for alternate-site burns from electrosurgery.

Ground versus earth, there is a difference

Investigations of injuries and fires caused by electrical circuits and equipment can result in incorrect conclusions when grounding systems are neglected. The term ground is loosely used in electrical jargon as any zero reference point for voltage measurement. Power systems are usually grounded to the earth. Other electrical systems are sometimes grounded to the same earth through a low impedance circuit. Residential grounding systems are described and a simple method is proposed for the investigator's use in evaluating the grounding system for potential shock or equipment damage hazards.

Electric oral burns in Danish children with special reference to prevention

68 children, most of them 1-3 years old, with electric burns of the mouth from slight cases to severe burns with extensive necroses were treated over a 30-year period. Principles of primary conservative treatment and secondary reconstructive surgery are mentioned. A Stein- Abbe flap procedure, single or double, has been the method-of-choice in severe defect of the lower lip. In the majority of the cases the accident was caused by a defective bakelite plug from the detachable cord of a popular electric vacuum cleaner of Danish origin. In 1968 a plea was made for a change of this kind of plug to a better type made of an unbreakable plastic material. As a prophylactic measure this intervention seems to have been very useful in so far as the number of these senseless accidents has decreased dramatically in Denmark during the last 15 years.

Optimal resources for electrical equipment in critical care areas

Electronic instrumentation has become essential to critical care medicine. Its use may never be taken for granted. To do so invites frustration or even catastrophe. This paper presents a systematic approach to the selection, use, maintenance, inspection, and disposal of medical equipment.

Burns caused by striking underground electricity cables

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