Electrical injuries, including electric shocks and burns, can be life-threatening and require immediate attention. Understanding how to respond quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in outcomes. Whether the injury is caused by a household appliance, a downed power line, or an industrial accident, the proper emergency response is critical. Below is a guide on how to handle electric shocks and burns until medical help arrives.
Electric Shock: What to Do
An electric shock occurs when an electric current flows through the body. The severity of the injury depends on the voltage, the path the electricity takes through the body, and the duration of contact.
Signs of Electric Shock
- Pain or tingling: Mild shocks may cause pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Burns: Electrical burns may appear at the entry and exit points where the current entered and exited the body.
- Muscle spasms: Electric shock can cause involuntary muscle contractions.
- Difficulty breathing: The shock can interfere with breathing if it affects the respiratory muscles or the heart.
- Loss of consciousness: Severe electric shock can cause unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, or even death.
Immediate Steps to Take for Electric Shock
- Ensure Your Own Safety
Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source. You could also be electrocuted. Instead, first turn off the power at the source (if safe to do so), such as unplugging the appliance, switching off a circuit breaker, or removing the person from the electrical source using an insulated object (e.g., a wooden broom handle or rubber gloves). - Call Emergency Services (911)
As soon as the person is separated from the electrical source and is safe, call emergency services immediately. Electric shock can cause internal injuries, including damage to the heart, nervous system, and organs, which may not be immediately apparent. - Check for Breathing and Pulse
If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately. If you are not trained in CPR, focus on chest compressions—compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Keep performing CPR until emergency help arrives or the person starts breathing again. - Treat Burns (If Present)
If there are visible burns at the entry and exit points of the electrical current (often on the hands, feet, or mouth), treat them as you would with a thermal burn. Do not attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth, and keep the person warm by covering them with a blanket to prevent shock. - Monitor the Person
Stay with the individual until help arrives. Keep them calm, monitor their breathing, and watch for signs of shock (pale skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion). If the person regains consciousness, encourage them to stay still and avoid unnecessary movement. - Do Not Let the Person Walk
Even if they seem to recover quickly, encourage them to stay lying down and avoid walking. Electric shock can cause delayed symptoms, and movement may worsen internal injuries or lead to fainting.
Electrical Burns: What to Do
Electrical burns occur when a person comes into direct contact with an electrical source, resulting in damage to the skin and underlying tissues. These burns can be severe, especially if the electrical current has traveled through deeper tissues.
Signs of Electrical Burns
- Entry and exit wounds: You may notice burn marks on the skin where the electrical current entered and exited.
- Redness and blistering: The skin may appear red and blistered, similar to other types of burns.
- Pain: Intense pain at the burn site, which may radiate throughout the body.
- Shock symptoms: The person may show signs of shock, including rapid heartbeat, weakness, confusion, and pale or cool skin.
- Muscle or nerve damage: If the electricity traveled through muscles or nerves, there may be signs of dysfunction, such as numbness, paralysis, or difficulty moving parts of the body.
Immediate Steps to Take for Electrical Burns
- Ensure the Area is Safe
Before assisting the victim, ensure that the electrical source has been turned off or the person has been removed from it. Always check that the area is safe to approach. - Call Emergency Services
After ensuring safety, call emergency services for help, as electrical burns can be more serious than they appear. Medical professionals need to assess the depth of the burns and check for possible internal injuries. - Stop the Burning Process
If there is an active electrical burn, remove the victim from contact with the electricity, but be sure that you are not at risk of electrical shock yourself. After that, check if the person is breathing and has a pulse, and begin CPR if necessary. - Cover the Burns
After the person has been safely removed from the source, cover the burn with a clean, non-stick, sterile bandage or cloth. Avoid applying ice or ointments to the burn, as this could cause further damage. Simply keep the burn covered and prevent infection. - Position the Person
Keep the person in a comfortable position, ideally lying down with their legs elevated if they show signs of shock. This position helps improve blood circulation to vital organs and prevents fainting. - Monitor for Shock
Watch for signs of shock, such as rapid breathing, weakness, confusion, or fainting. If shock occurs, keep the person warm, encourage calm breathing, and keep them still until help arrives. - Do Not Remove Burned Clothing Stuck to the Skin
If the person’s clothing has been burned and is stuck to the skin, do not attempt to remove it. Removing burnt clothing can cause further tissue damage. Cover the burn area with a clean cloth and wait for professional medical treatment.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Even if the electric shock or burn seems minor, it is important to seek medical attention. Some conditions, such as internal injuries, heart arrhythmias, or damage to tissues, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional should evaluate the person to ensure there are no long-term effects from the electrical injury.
It’s important to seek emergency help in the following cases:
- The person is unconscious or not breathing.
- The person has visible burns or wounds, especially on large areas of the body.
- The person shows signs of shock or severe internal injury.
- The person has a history of heart conditions, as electrical shocks can cause arrhythmias.
- The burn is caused by high-voltage electricity, such as from power lines or industrial equipment.
Conclusion
Electrical injuries are serious and can have life-threatening consequences. Responding promptly with the right actions—such as ensuring safety, calling for help, performing CPR if necessary, and properly treating burns—can save lives. Remember, when in doubt, always seek professional medical assistance. If you are unsure of how to handle an electrical shock or burn, professional intervention is always the safest option. Being prepared to act quickly in an emergency can make all the difference.