Fatalities associated with the termination of electrical services.
The worldwide dependence on electricity to support the needs of today's society is often taken for granted and, as such, the hazards associated with the termination of electrical services are often neglected. Whether electrical services are unintentionally terminated as the result of severe weather or intentionally terminated as the result of nonpayment of utility bills, the ensuing conditions may lead to injury or death in affected individuals. We performed a retrospective review of all deaths investigated by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office between 1999 and 2004. Our case database was searched for causes of death that included hypothermia, hyperthermia, carbon monoxide, fire, electrocution, and/or electricity. Further review of these cases was undertaken to determine the potential relationship between the death and the termination of electrical services. Seven fatalities were found to be associated with the termination of electrical services. Four fatalities resulted from its unintentional termination and 3 were a consequence of intentional termination. In reporting these deaths, we hope to emphasize the potential dangers associated with the termination of electrical services and explore the informational programs and public health laws that are in place to limit the associated potential negative outcomes.
Stoppacher
Robert
R
Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office, Kalamazoo, MI 13210, USA. hlrstop@ongov.net
Yancon
Andrea R
AR
Jumbelic
Mary I
MI
D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000401:mortality*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002056:Burns / Q000473:pathology; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000473:pathology; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000473:pathology; D004560:Electricity; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D006361:Heating / Q000009:adverse effects; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011634:Public Health; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy; D014887:Weather