Final answer:
A local shock refers to an electric current passing through a small part of the body, which is different from a large current that can temporarily stop heart and breathing functions but often allows them to return to normal afterward.
Step-by-step explanation:
A local shock passes through a small part of the body, as opposed to a large electric current that can cause the heart and diaphragm to contract, stopping both the heart and breathing. However, very large currents can halt heart and breathing activity temporarily, after which both functions often return to normal once the shock has ended. This is due to the electrical patterns on the heart being completely erased, allowing the heart to start anew with normal beating. This is different than smaller currents which can lead to ventricular fibrillation, a condition requiring immediate medical intervention such as defibrillation. In dramatizations, large paddles are used with a defibrillator to spread current and mitigate the risk of burns during the process.
.