An electrical burn caused by alternating current can lead to what serious condition?

An electrical burn caused by alternating current (AC) can lead to ventricular fibrillation due to the way AC affects the heart's electrical rhythm. When alternating current flows through the body, it can disrupt the heart's normal electrical signals, causing it to quiver instead of pump effectively. This condition, known as ventricular fibrillation, is critical because it can result in a failure of the heart to effectively circulate blood, leading to loss of consciousness and, if untreated, can quickly progress to cardiac arrest.

Understanding the mechanics of how AC electricity interacts with the body is crucial for recognizing the risks associated with electrical injuries. The most significant danger posed by alternating current is its propensity to interfere with the heart's conduction system, which is why ventricular fibrillation is often emphasized as a serious threat in such scenarios.