Which factors determine the severity of a shock?

• A. Duration
• B. Path
• C. All of the above
• D. Voltage

Answer: (C)

The severity of a shock hinges on how much energy is delivered to the body, which is driven by the current that flows, how long it flows, the route the current takes through the body, and the voltage that starts that current. The energy delivered equals current times duration, and the current itself depends on the voltage and the body's impedance (I = V/R). A higher voltage can push more current through the body, especially if skin moisture or other conditions reduce resistance, increasing potential damage. The path matters because current that travels through vital areas such as the chest or heart is far more dangerous and can cause life-threatening effects like arrhythmias, while other paths may cause burns or muscle injury but are less likely to disrupt critical organs. Duration matters because longer exposure means more energy is deposited into tissues, increasing heating, tissue damage, and risk of complications. Since all of these factors interact to determine how severe a shock is, considering duration, the current’s path through the body, and the source voltage together gives the most complete assessment of risk.