What is the primary factor that determines the effects of electrical shock?

The primary factor that determines the effects of electrical shock is current. When a person comes into contact with an electrical source, it is the flow of electric charge, measured in amperes, that impacts the body. Current is the crucial element because it can lead to physiological effects such as muscle contractions, heart arrhythmias, and tissue damage.

While voltage, resistance, and the duration of contact all play roles in the total current flowing through the body, it is the actual current that produces the harmful effects associated with electrical shock. For instance, a higher voltage can drive more current through the body, but if the resistance is very high (such as dry skin), only a small amount of current will flow. Conversely, lower voltages can still produce dangerous currents if the resistance is low (for example, wet skin). The severity of the injury often correlates directly with the amount of current that flows through the individual, making current the primary factor in the effects of electrical shock.