Otis Singleton
Stepping in electricity can result in an electric shock or electrocution, which can cause serious injury or even death. Electric shocks occur when an electric current passes through the body, and the effects can vary depending on the source and severity of the current. High-voltage shocks (above 500 volts) can cause deep burns and require immediate medical attention, whereas low-voltage shocks may result in superficial burns or no visible injuries at all. However, it is important to seek medical advice even after a low-voltage shock to check for internal injuries. Certain factors, such as standing in water or having wet clothing, can increase the risk of receiving an electric shock and the severity of its effects. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious around electrical hazards and follow safety protocols to prevent accidental contact with live electrical currents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Electric shock injuries can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be fatal. |
| Common causes | Old, damaged or exposed electrical wiring, water on household outlets, cutting through a live electrical cable, faulty household appliances, fallen power lines, lightning strikes, etc. |
| Common symptoms | Unconsciousness, numbness or tingling, muscle spasms, weak or irregular pulse, cataracts, burned or charred lips, etc. |
| Common complications | Infection, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, etc. |
| First aid | Call 911 immediately, do not touch the person if they are still in contact with an electrical current, turn off the source of power if possible, etc. |
| Prevention | Inspect power cords and replace any with broken or cracked external coverings, limit the use of extension cords, use outlet covers, update old, ungrounded electrical outlets, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric shocks can be fatal
Electric shocks can cause a range of health complications, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Electric shock injuries can range from mild to severe, with around 30,000 non-fatal electric shock injuries occurring in the United States each year. However, about 1,000 people in the United States are fatally shocked, or electrocuted, every year, with around 400 of these deaths resulting from high-voltage electric sources.
The severity of an electric shock depends on several factors, including the voltage and duration of contact, as well as the pathway the electricity takes through the body. Low-voltage shocks (less than 500 volts) typically result in superficial burns, while high-voltage shocks (greater than 500 volts) can cause more severe injuries, such as deep burns and tissue damage. Exposure to extremely high voltage (above 2,700 volts) is often fatal, with voltages above 11,000 volts usually resulting in death.
Electric shocks can cause interference with nervous control, especially over the heart and lungs, leading to cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest. The electric current can also cause muscle spasms, which can be strong enough to dislocate joints or break bones. In addition, the loss of muscle control can result in a person being unable to release themselves from the electrical source, potentially leading to further injury if they are at a height.
While electric shocks from household sources are often mild, they can still cause internal injuries that require immediate medical attention. Even if there are no apparent physical injuries, individuals who have experienced an electric shock should seek medical care to reduce the risk of delayed complications, such as infection, which is the most common cause of death in hospitalized patients after an electric shock injury.
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Step potential and touch potential
Step and touch potential is a phenomenon that explains how one could be electrocuted or suffer an electric shock injury from a downed power line without actually touching it. This is because the electrical current creates a ripple effect, which poses an extreme danger to anyone in the area. Step potential refers to the voltage difference between a person's feet when they are standing near a downed power line and their feet are in different rings of electrical current with different voltages. This voltage differential can cause the electrical current to enter the body through one leg, surge through the body, and exit through the other leg, often resulting in electric shock or electrocution.
Step potential is the voltage difference between the feet of a person standing near an energized grounded object. It is equal to the difference in voltage given by the voltage distribution curve between two points at different distances from the electrode. A person could be at risk of injury during a fault simply by standing near the grounding point. For example, if there is a fault at a tower or substation, the current will pass through any metallic object and enter the earth. If a person is touching a metallic object in the vicinity, they will be subjected to these touch voltages, which may be hazardous.
Touch potential refers to how one can be electrocuted or suffer an electric shock if they touch an object that has been electrified or energized by a downed power line or any conductor of electricity. The electrical current flowing through the object enters the body through the hand and leaves through the feet, causing damage to internal organs. Touch potential is the voltage difference between any two points on a person's body—hand to hand, shoulder to back, elbow to hip, hand to foot, and so on. For example, if an overhead conductor falls on a car and a person touches that car, the current could pass from the energized car through the person to the ground.
To protect against electrocution dangers, it is important not to touch the ground and a car's metal door frame or shell at the same time, as the car may be a conductor of the electrical current from the downed power line. If one must exit a vehicle due to a fire or other emergency, it is crucial to jump completely clear, ensuring no contact is made with the equipment and the ground simultaneously. Landing with both feet together and shuffling away in small steps can minimize the path of the electric current and reduce the risk of electrical shock.
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High-voltage vs. low-voltage shocks
Electric shocks can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can even be fatal. The severity of the shock depends on several factors, including the voltage, the level of current passing through the body, the duration of exposure, and the pathway the electricity takes through the body.
High-Voltage Shocks
High-voltage shocks are those that occur at voltages greater than 500 volts. At these voltages, electric shocks can cause serious damage. High-voltage shocks are more likely to cause serious symptoms and can lead to electrocution, especially if the voltage is above 220,000 volts. Exposure to high-voltage electricity can cause electrochemical or thermal damage to tissues, with potential risks of protein coagulation, coagulation necrosis, hemolysis, thrombosis, muscle or tendon avulsion, or dehydration. Additionally, the longer the exposure, the more damage the electrical current can inflict on the body. Exposure to high-voltage currents for more than a second can cause ventricular fibrillation and potentially lead to death.
Low-Voltage Shocks
Low-voltage shocks occur at voltages of less than 500 volts. While they are not typically considered life-threatening, they can still be dangerous and cause severe injuries. Low-voltage shocks can result in superficial burns, muscle contractions, unconsciousness, and falls or other accidents. Even at voltages as low as 42 volts, fatalities have occurred. It's important to note that the level of current and the duration of exposure can also determine the severity of a low-voltage shock.
In both cases, it is crucial to seek medical attention. For high-voltage shocks, immediate emergency care is necessary, while low-voltage shocks that result in burns require a visit to the emergency room.
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Electric shocks in children
Children, especially mobile babies and toddlers, often experience electric shocks by chewing on electrical cords or sticking metal objects into unprotected outlets. To prevent these accidents, it is crucial to childproof your home. This includes installing safety devices like tamper-proof receptacles and modern plug sockets with built-in safety features, as well as keeping electrical cords out of children's reach and disposing of old or frayed cords. Educating children about the dangers of electricity and teaching them not to bite cords or insert objects into outlets is also essential.
If your child experiences an electric shock, seek medical care immediately, even if they don't show any symptoms. Call 911 and start CPR if necessary. Separate your child from the source of electricity, and if you can't turn it off, insulate yourself with rubber gloves or stand on something dry and non-conductive, like newspapers. Go to the emergency room if your child has signs of shock, such as cool, clammy skin, rapid pulse, or paler skin colour.
The severity of electric shock injuries depends on the source, voltage, and strength of the current, as well as the duration of contact. Low-voltage electricity (less than 500 volts) may cause superficial burns or more severe injuries, while high-voltage electricity (greater than 500 volts) can result in serious damage. In addition to burns, there may be internal injuries, especially if the child experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain.
To summarise, preventing electric shocks in children requires a combination of childproofing, education, and maintaining safe electrical systems in the home. In the event of an electric shock, immediate medical attention is crucial, and understanding the potential physical and psychological impacts can help ensure comprehensive care for the child.
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First aid for electric shocks
If you come across someone who has stepped on electricity, it is important to know how to help them without putting yourself in harm's way. Here are some steps to follow when administering first aid for electric shocks:
- Assess the situation: Before approaching the person, ensure that the electrical current is no longer a threat. If possible, turn off the power source. If you cannot access the power source or if it is a high-voltage line that has fallen, maintain a safe distance and call for emergency services. Remember that electricity can arc or jump, so stay at least 25 metres away from high-voltage sources. For low-voltage sources, insulate yourself from the ground by standing on a non-conductor, such as rubber matting, and use a non-conductive object to remove any electrical objects still in contact with the person.
- Check for injuries: Electric shocks can cause a range of injuries, from superficial burns to severe internal damage. Look for entry and exit wounds, as burns are often most severe at these points. The hands, heels, and head are common points of contact for burns. Be aware that the person may also be in cardiac arrest or experiencing internal injuries, especially if they are exhibiting shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain.
- Call for medical assistance: If the person has sustained a high-voltage shock (500 volts or more), seek immediate medical attention at a hospital's emergency department. Even for low-voltage shocks, call a doctor if it has been more than five years since their last tetanus booster or if they exhibit any concerning symptoms.
- Monitor breathing and circulation: Electric shocks can cause breathing difficulties and cardiac arrest. Check the person's breathing and, if necessary, administer CPR if they are not breathing.
- Treat burns: If the person has sustained burns, provide appropriate first aid. Cool the burn with water (do not use ice) and cover the area with a sterile dressing. Do not break any blisters that may have formed.
- Prevent further harm: Ensure that the person is removed from the electrical source and that the environment is made safe. Warn others of the hazard to prevent additional injuries.
Remember, it is crucial to always prioritize your safety when providing first aid for electric shocks. Do not put yourself at risk of becoming a victim of electric shock as well.
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Frequently asked questions
Do not touch the person, and call 911 immediately. If it is safe to do so, turn off the source of electricity.
Symptoms of an electric shock can range from mild to severe and include cataracts (if the electricity passes through your eyes), burned or charred lips, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, and an irregular heartbeat.
Electrical injuries can be caused by old, damaged or exposed electrical wiring, lightning strikes, faulty household appliances, fallen power lines, and cutting through a live electrical cable.
Electric shock is a non-fatal electrical injury, whereas electrocution refers to death due to electrical shock.
Step potential is the phenomenon that explains how you could be electrocuted or suffer an electric shock injury from a downed power line, even if you do not touch it. Step potential refers to the voltage difference between your feet when you are standing near a downed power line and your feet are in different rings of electrical current with different voltages.
