Cardiac Arrest Survival Post-Electrocution – Management in a Low-Resource Emergency Department in Ghana: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction The potential dangers of electrical injuries continue to increase since the commercial availability of electricity. Degrees of electrical injuries range from minor burns to cardiac arrest. Electrocution is cardiac arrest resulting from an electric shock. In Ghana, many electrocution cases are declared dead with little or no resuscitative measures. With the establishment of the emergency department (ED) at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), such cases within the catchment area are being managed. We sought to describe the management of three (3) cases of electrocution admitted which were resuscitated at the KATH ED. Case Series We present three retrospective cases of electrocution involving two adults and one child presenting to the ED of KATH. None of them had any form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene, or en route to the hospital, however, all cases received resuscitative measures of CPR, defibrillation, intubation and other supportive management, and were successfully discharged home in a few days with no major complications. Discussion Electrical injuries do occur; however, continuous education and caution should be taken especially whilst using electricity and electrical appliances. Workers with high exposure to electricity should emphasize maximum safety precautions and use of appropriate protective equipment. Home appliances should be well hidden and insulated to protect children. Early recognition of cardiac arrest, immediate initiation of CPR, availability of defibrillators improves outcomes in cardiac arrest post-electrocution.