When to Seek Medical Care

For a high-voltage shock, seek care at a hospital's Emergency Department. Following a low-voltage shock, call the doctor for the following reasons:

• If it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus booster
  
  
• Burns that are not healing well
  
  
• Burns with increasing redness, soreness, or drainage
  
  
• Any electric shock in a pregnant woman

A person shocked by high voltage (500 volts or more) should be evaluated in the Emergency Department. It may be prudent to get prehospital care, usually obtained by calling 911. Following a low-voltage shock, go to the Emergency Department for the following concerns:

• Any noticeable burn to the skin
  
  
• Any period of unconsciousness
  
  
• Any numbness, tingling, paralysis, vision, hearing, or speech problems
  
  
• Any electric shock if more than 20 weeks' pregnant
  
  
• Any other worrisome symptoms