Electrical InjuriesMedical Author:
James Kimo Takayesu, MD
Medical Editor:
N Stuart Harris, MD, MFA
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Michael E Zevitz, MD
Electrical Injuries OverviewElectrical injury occurs when an electric current runs through a portion of the body, usually from either a man-made source or lightning. The outside of the person’s body may appear to have only minor injuries, but internal injuries may still be significant. As current enters the body (source), it causes surface to deep burns, damages muscle and organs as it passes through the body, and eventually exits at another distant point (ground), which causes a second burn or wound. The electrical current may trigger irregular heartbeat or stop the heart entirely. Among man-made sources, direct current (DC) tends to throw people from the source after one shock. Alternating current (AC) is more dangerous. AC causes muscle spasms that often prolong contact with the power source, which increases the extent of the injury. |
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Electrical Injuries
First Aid for Electrical Burns »
Topic Overview
The first steps to take when a person is in contact with an electrical source are:
- Have someone call
or other emergency services. - Do not touch the "electrified person" with your hands.
- Unplug the appliance or turn off the main power switch.
- Try to remove the person from the electrical source, if you cannot turn the power off. Do this only if you can do so safely by:
- Standing on a dry surface, such as a rubber doormat or a pile of papers or books. Make sure you are not standing in or near water.
- Using a dry wooden object, such as a broom handle, to push the person away from the electrical source. Do not use anything wet or made of metal.
- Check to see if the person responds to touch or being talked to after separating him or her from the electrical source. Electrical burns can affect the electrical activity of the heart and cause heartbeat...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Electrical Injuries »
Electrical injuries though infrequent are eventually encountered by most emergency medicine practitioners.
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