The circulatory system and nervous system can work as a conduit for the voltage, so these victims should be hospitalized for at least 24 hours to test for heart and other major organ damage. The consequences of these injuries are life altering. Even after recovery, long term disabilities are common. The severity of an electrical injury is dependent on several factors including the type of circuit, voltage, amperage, duration, resistance of the body part, and pathway of voltage. An analogy can be drawn between electricity and the behavior of water in pipes.
Most homes have what is called three-wire service.
Meaning, there are two hot wires and one neutral wire connected from the utility service through a meter to an entrance panel. These wires branch off through the house to provided 120-240 volt capabilities. The utility is contacted as soon as it is determined electrical service to a residential building must be de-energized. In an emergency, there may be a need for the fire department to de-energize residential service. If this is the case, fire department personnel must not disconnect the service wire.