Electric Shock (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
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
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