Electric shock injuries are caused by lightning or electric current from a mechanical source passing through the body. Electric shocks cause about 1,000 deaths in the United States each year; about 3-15% of cases are fatal. Injuries range from barely noticeable tingling to instant death, and can affect every part of the body. The severity depends on the current's pressure (voltage), the amount (amperage) and type of current (direct vs. alternating), the body's resistance to the current, the current's path through the body, and how long the body remains in contact with the current. Injuries from household appliances and other low-voltage sources are less likely to produce extreme damage. Many survivors require amputation or are disfigured by burns. How electric shocks affect the skin is determined by how wet, thick, and clean the skin is. Thin or wet skin is much less resistant than thick...