Haven't read all the posts yet, but...Way back in high school ('bout 65-66),
I was working on a TV set in electronics shop. I was in the back room, by
myself, and had just turned it off. I was following all safety procedures,
one hand to my side, other hand on the insulated screwdriver, prying off the
25Kv lead to the picture tube. Well we didn't know that the "decorative"
metal railing of the work bench was grounded. My hand slipped off of the
insulation onto the metal shaft off the screwdriver and I was leaning
against the workbench. Next thing I remember was that I was flat on my back,
with my head in the doorway, six feet from workbench. All the class were
gathered around the teacher who said "My God! He's alive!" Turns out, they
had heard the discharge (through me), and I had been out for at least 3-5
minutes. So I guess you could say I survived a "fatal" shock.

Years later, in the phone company, while reaching through some equipment to
get a wire being passed to me, my forehead touch the +400V and my wrist
touched a -400V of a telegraph (yes, telegraph) circuit. Didn't knock me out
but it sure stung.....

Eric KA6USJ