Otis Singleton
Electrical burns can be extremely dangerous, causing both internal and external damage. They can occur when a person comes into contact with electricity, either directly or indirectly, such as through a power line or faulty appliance. The severity of the burn depends on several factors, including voltage and the type of current. High-voltage shocks are more likely to cause severe damage or even death. Electrical burns can affect the skin, internal organs, and the nervous system, and may result in cardiac arrest or kidney failure. Due to the potential for internal injuries, it is crucial to seek medical attention even if the burn appears minor. Treatment for electrical burns may include pain medication, surgery, and addressing any internal trauma. First aid for electrical burns involves disconnecting the power supply, checking the victim's consciousness and breathing, and performing CPR if necessary.
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What You'll Learn
First aid for electrical burns
It is important to know how to administer first aid for electrical burns as they can be life-threatening. Electrical burns occur when a person comes into contact with electricity, causing a burn where the electricity enters and exits the body. The severity of the burn depends on a few factors, including voltage, the type of current, how long the person was in contact with the electricity, and their overall health. High-voltage shocks are more likely to cause severe damage or even death.
If you come across a situation where someone has suffered an electrical burn, the first step is to disconnect the power supply before trying to help the victim. If there is a downed power line, stay at least 6 metres away from any cables and do not touch or try to remove them. Ask the person not to move and check if they are conscious and breathing. If there is no response, start CPR and call an ambulance.
Once it is safe to do so, you can treat the burn in the same way as you would any other burn. Put the burnt area under running water for at least 20 minutes, then cover it with a sterile gauze bandage if available, or a clean cloth. Do not use a blanket or towel, as loose fibres can stick to the burns.
Even if the burn seems minor, it is important to seek medical attention as there may be internal damage that is not visible. Doctors will run tests to check for damage to the heart, kidneys, muscles, nervous system, and soft tissue. Treatment for electrical burns may include prescription pain medicine, surgery to repair the burned area, and treatment for any internal trauma.
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Preventing electrical burns
Electrical burns can be extremely serious and even fatal, so it's important to know how to prevent them from occurring. Here are some ways to prevent electrical burns:
Keep children educated and your home protected: Infants, toddlers and young children are susceptible to electrical burns because they are curious about their surroundings and may touch electrical hazards. Teach children about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe. Use outlet covers for added protection in homes with young children.
Be cautious of water: Never use electrical cords near water or where they could get wet. During thunderstorms, it's important to get out of the water and take shelter as soon as possible.
Maintain a safe distance from power lines: Keep a safe distance from power lines, especially when trimming trees or repairing roofs. If you come across a downed power line, stay at least 6 metres away and do not attempt to remove it or touch any vehicles it may be touching.
Use and test electrical equipment properly: Only use electrical appliances when they are plugged in and running. Regularly test GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets and use them to prevent electrical shocks. Do not use frayed or damaged extension cords or plugs that are missing their third prong (grounding pin).
Be aware of your surroundings: On job sites, report and correct any electrical hazards you come across. Be mindful of overhead power lines, especially in farm settings, as you do not need to touch them to be electrocuted.
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Diagnosing internal damage
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after experiencing an electrical burn, even if the burn seems minor, as it may have caused internal damage that is not visible. Electrical injuries are caused by high-energy currents travelling through the body, and the outward appearance of an electrical burn does not always accurately reflect the extent of the injury.
The severity of an electrical burn depends on the amount of electricity the patient came into contact with and how long their body was connected to the current. High-voltage electrical burns (greater than 500-1000 volts) cause deep burns and extensive deep tissue and organ damage. Low-voltage exposures tend to result in less severe injuries. However, even low-voltage household currents can cause fatal heart dysrhythmias.
The body's tissues have different levels of resistance to electricity, with skin having the highest resistance, followed by bone. Nerves, muscle, and blood have lower resistance and are therefore more susceptible to electrical damage. As a result, electrical burns can cause severe internal damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, muscles, and the nervous system, even when the external skin burns appear mild.
Complications from electrical burns can include infection, compartment syndrome, and rhabdomyolysis (due to extensive muscle damage). Cardiac complications, such as arrhythmia or chest pain, are also possible and can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention and monitoring to diagnose and treat any potential internal damage from an electrical burn.
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Treatment for severe electrical burns
Electrical burns can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, and it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The severity of an electrical burn depends on the voltage, the type of current, the duration of contact, and the path the electricity takes through the body. Even a mild electric shock can cause internal damage that is not visible, so it is always best to get checked over by a medical professional.
In the case of severe electrical burns, the patient will likely need to be hospitalised and may require surgery. First, the patient's breathing and pulse rate should be checked, and CPR should be administered if necessary. If the burn is on the hands, arms, legs, or feet, the limb should be raised above heart level. The patient should be kept warm and dry, and their breathing and pulse rate should be monitored until medical personnel arrive.
In the case of severe second-degree or third-degree electrical burns, immediate intervention and emergency treatment are required. The patient should be taken to the nearest hospital with an emergency department. While waiting for medical help, the electrical source should be turned off, and the patient's clothing should be removed from the affected area. Blisters should not be popped, and the area should be soaked in, or run under, cool water for at least 20 minutes. A cold, wet compress can also be applied. The burn should then be covered with a clean, dry, and sterile non-stick dressing. Oily substances, home remedies, and medicines should not be applied directly to the wound.
Severe electrical burns may require surgery to repair the damaged area and treat any internal trauma. Burn specialists will determine the course of treatment. This could include prescription pain medicine, surgery, and treatment for any internal damage. In some cases, amputation may be necessary.
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Medication for electrical burns
It is imperative to seek medical attention for electrical burns as they can cause internal damage that is not always visible. While waiting for medical assistance, there are a few first-aid steps you can take to treat electrical burns.
Firstly, make sure the electrical source is turned off to prevent further injury. Remove any clothing or jewellery from the affected area, and raise the burned limb above heart level if possible. Then, run the burned area under cool, running water for at least 20 minutes or apply a cold, wet compress. Avoid using ice or attempting to disinfect the skin with iodine, alcohol, or other cleansers. Instead, apply a moisturising lotion or petroleum jelly to the skin to prevent dryness and itching as it heals. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage if available, or a clean cloth. Do not use a blanket or towel, as loose fibres can stick to the burn.
Monitor the victim's breathing, pulse rate, and overall condition until medical personnel arrive. If they are unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR. If they are conscious, ask them to remain still and do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.
In a hospital setting, doctors will run tests to check for damage to the heart, kidneys, muscles, nervous system, and soft tissue. They may also perform an X-ray to check for fractures or dislocations and a CT scan to assess head trauma. Treatment for electrical burns may include prescription pain medication, surgery to repair the burned area, and treatment for any internal trauma.
In terms of medication, mannitol can be administered at 1 gram per kilogram of body weight to promote osmotic diuresis, with a target urine output of 2-3 mL/kg/h and a urine pH greater than 6.5. Bicarbonate can be used to treat acidosis and make myoglobin more soluble, and additional diuretics may be administered. Acetazolamide is the recognised drug of choice for its ability to alkalinize the urine, but this should be exercised with caution to avoid hyperosmotic hypoalbuminemia. Fluid replacement should be increased by 2-3 times based on the total surface area affected, using an isotonic balanced saline solution such as Ringer's lactate solution. Urinary output should be closely monitored as an indicator of kidney function, and adjustments should be made accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
First, disconnect the power supply. Then, check if the person is conscious and breathing. If they are unresponsive, start CPR and call an ambulance.
For mild burns, follow these first aid steps: soak the affected area and apply a cold, wet compress or run under cool water for at least 20 minutes. Remove clothing from the affected area. Avoid popping blisters, as this can lead to infection. Do not apply ice or attempt to disinfect the skin with iodine, alcohol or other cleansers. Apply moisturizing lotion or petroleum jelly to the skin to prevent dryness and itching as the burn heals.
It is vital to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. Call 911 or head to the nearest hospital with an emergency department.
Electrical burns can impact internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, muscles, and the nervous system. Compartment syndrome, caused by increased compartment pressure due to edema, can result in reduced blood flow to the muscles.
Some preventive measures include:
- Never use an electrical cord near water or where it could get wet.
- Teach children about the dangers of electricity and do not let them use appliances by themselves.
- Use outlet covers for homes with infants and small children.
- Use and regularly test GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets.
- Avoid power lines when trimming trees or repairing roofs.
