Electrical injury

Considerations:
The human body is a good conductor of electricity. Direct contact with electrical current can be potentially fatal. While some electrical burns look minor, there still may be serious internal damage, especially to the heart and brain.

In the U.S., about 1,000 people die annually of electric shock.

The outcome of an electric shock to an individual depends on the site and extent of damage, the victim's state of health, and the speed and adequacy of the treatment.

Electric current can cause injury in three ways: cardiac arrest due to electrical effect on the heart, massive muscle destruction from current passing through the body, and thermal burns from contact with the electrical source.

Causes:
  • young children biting or chewing on electrical cords or poking sharp objects into the electrical outlet
  • accidental contact with exposed parts of electrical appliances or wiring
  • lightning
  • flash of electric arcs from high-voltage power lines
  • machines



Symptoms:



Do not:

  • DO NOT touch the victim with your bare hands while the person is still in contact with the source of electricity.
  • DO NOT remove dead skin or break blisters if the victim has acquired burns .
  • DO NOT apply ice, butter, ointments, medications, fluffy cotton dressings, or adhesive bandages to a burn .
  • DO NOT touch the skin of someone who is being electrocuted.
  • DO NOT get within 20 feet of someone who is being electrocuted by high-voltage electrical current until the power is turned off.
  • DO NOT move a victim of electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.



Call Your Healthcare Provider if:



First Aid:
1. If possible, shut off the electrical current. Unplug the cord, remove the fuse from the fuse box, or turn off the circuit breakers if possible. Often, simply tuning off the appliance itself will not stop the flow of electricity.

2. Call for medical help.

3. If the current can't be turned off, use a non-conducting object such as a broom, chair, rug, or rubber doormat to push the victim away from the source of the current. Don't use a wet or metal object. If possible, stand on something dry and non-conducting, such as a mat or folded newspapers.

4. Once the victim is free of the source of electricity, check the person's breathing and pulse . If either has stopped or seems dangerously slow or shallow, initiate first aid (see CPR ).

5. If the victim has a burn , remove any clothing that comes off easily and rinse the burned area in cool running water until the pain subsides. Give first aid for burns .

6. If the victim is faint or pale or shows other signs of shock lay the victim down, with the head slightly lower than the trunk of the body and the legs elevated, and cover the person with a warm blanket.

7. Stay with the victim until you get medical help.

8. Electrical injury frequently causes explosions and falls which may lead to significant trauma, both obvious external injuries and concealed internal injuries. Avoid moving the victim's head or neck.

Prevention:

  • Use child safety plugs in all outlets.
  • Keep electrical cords out of children's reach.
  • Teach your children about the dangers of electricity.
  • Avoid electrical hazards at home and at work.
  • Parents of small children should put safety guards on all electrical outlets and keep children away from electrical devices.
  • Avoid using electrical appliances while showering or wet.
  • Never touch electrical appliances while touching faucets or cold water pipes in the kitchen.