Otis Singleton
Electrical burns can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The severity of the injury depends on the voltage, the type of current, and the pathway the electricity takes through the body. If someone has sustained an electrical burn, it is important to first turn off the power supply or use a non-conductive object, such as a wooden stick, to separate the person from the electrical source. Once it is safe, check the person's breathing and pulse, and perform CPR if necessary. Minor electrical burns should be treated by running cool water over the affected area for at least 10 to 20 minutes, followed by covering the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean, dry cloth to prevent infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If the person is unconscious | Check their breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing, perform CPR if you know how to. |
| If the person is conscious | Ask them not to move. |
| Check for signs of burns, such as charred or blackened skin. | |
| Remove any clothing or jewellery near the burnt area. | |
| Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 10-20 minutes. | |
| Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean, dry cloth. | |
| Treat the pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen. | |
| Monitor for shock. If you suspect shock, keep the person lying down with their legs elevated slightly and cover them with a blanket. | |
| If the person was injured by a low-voltage source | Safely switch off the power supply or remove the person from the electrical source using a non-conductive material such as a wooden stick or a wooden chair. |
| If the person was injured by a high-voltage source | Do not approach the person. Call emergency services. |
| If the person has no visible injuries | They should still seek medical attention to check for internal damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Remove the person from the electrical source using non-conductive materials
If someone has been injured by a low-voltage electrical source (up to 220-240 volts), you should safely switch off the power supply. If this is not possible, use non-conductive materials to remove the person from the electrical source. Non-conductive materials are those that do not conduct electricity, such as dry wooden sticks, wooden chairs, or non-metallic objects. This is crucial to halt the flow of electricity through the body and prevent further harm.
If the person is in contact with water, take extra care as water conducts electricity. In the case of a downed power line, maintain a distance of at least 6 metres from any cables.
If you are unable to separate the person from the electrical source, do not attempt to move them unless they are in danger of further injury. If they are unconscious and not breathing, you can perform CPR once they have been disconnected from the electrical source.
After successfully removing the person from the electrical source, assess their immediate well-being. Check their breathing and circulation. If they are conscious, gently touch and talk to them.
If the person has sustained an electrical burn, treat it as you would any other burn. Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 10 to 20 minutes, then cover it with a sterile, non-stick dressing, or a clean, dry cloth. Do not use adhesive bandages or materials that can leave fibres on the burn, such as blankets or towels. Keep the person warm with clothing or blankets, but avoid covering the injured area.
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Check for breathing and a pulse
If someone has sustained an electrical burn, it is important to check for breathing and a pulse. This is because electric shock can sometimes cause cardiac arrest, with the electricity affecting the heart.
Firstly, ensure that you are not putting yourself in danger. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with an electrical current. If possible, turn off the source of power. If you cannot turn off the power, use a non-conductive material such as a dry wooden stick or a non-metallic object to gently and carefully separate the person from the source of electricity.
Once the person is no longer in contact with the electrical current, check for breathing and a pulse. If the person is not breathing or does not have a pulse, you should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you know how to do so. Call emergency services and wait for them to arrive.
If the person is breathing and has a pulse, you should still seek medical attention. Even a mild electric shock can affect the heart, so it is important to get checked by a doctor.
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Cool the burn with cool running water for 10-20 minutes
If you or someone you know has sustained an electrical burn, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action to cool the burn. Here is a detailed guide on cooling the burn with running water for 10-20 minutes:
First, ensure the safety of yourself and the person who has been burned. If possible, switch off the power supply or remove the person from the electrical source using a non-conductive material, such as a wooden stick or a dry wooden broom handle. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical current, as you could become a second victim of the electrical shock.
Once the person is safely disconnected from the electrical source, carefully assess the burn. Remove any clothing, jewellery, or tight items near the burnt area to prevent constriction if swelling occurs. Do not attempt to remove anything stuck to the burnt skin, as this could cause further damage.
Initiate the cooling process by gently rinsing the affected area with cool running water for 10-20 minutes. Ensure that the water is not too cold or icy, as this could exacerbate the injury. The goal is to alleviate pain, minimize tissue damage, and prevent the burn from worsening.
Throughout the cooling process, maintain the person's body warmth to prevent hypothermia, especially if a large area of skin is affected or if the person is a young child or elderly. Use blankets or layers of clothing, being careful to avoid the injured area.
After thoroughly cooling the burn, proceed to the next steps of treatment, which may include covering the burn with a sterile dressing or clean cloth and monitoring for signs of shock or other complications.
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Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean, dry cloth
After rinsing the burn with cool, running water for 10 to 20 minutes, it is important to cover the affected area with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean, dry cloth. This is a crucial step in the treatment of electrical burns, as it helps protect the wound from potential contamination and infection. It is imperative to use a non-stick dressing or clean, dry cloth, as loose fibres from a blanket or towel can stick to the burn and cause further complications.
It is also important to note that adhesive bandages should not be placed directly on the burn, as they can cause pain and further damage when removed. Instead, opt for a sterile, non-adhesive bandage to cover the burn and provide protection. Maintaining the cleanliness and dryness of the covered burn area will aid in preventing infection and promoting healing.
In addition, it is recommended to monitor the individual for signs of shock after sustaining an electrical burn. To ensure their comfort, it is advisable to keep the person lying down with their legs slightly elevated and provide a blanket to keep them warm. These measures will help stabilise their condition until professional medical help arrives.
The type of dressing or cloth used to cover the burn is essential to promote healing and prevent further complications. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage electrical burns and provide relief to the affected individual.
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Seek medical attention
If someone has been electrocuted, it is imperative to seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Electric shocks can cause unseen damage to the heart, muscles, brain, or other organs, and internal injuries may occur. If the person is not breathing or does not have a pulse, perform CPR if you know how to, and wait for emergency services to arrive.
In the case of a high-voltage shock (above 500 volts), or if the person has burns covering a significant area of their body, call an ambulance immediately. Do not approach the person if they are still connected to a high-voltage source. If possible, turn off the power supply or use a non-conductive material, such as a dry wooden stick, to separate them from the electrical source. If a high-voltage line has fallen, stay at least 6 metres away and call emergency services.
Even after a low-voltage shock, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Call a doctor if it has been more than 5 years since the person's last tetanus booster, or if there are any concerns about potential internal injuries, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain. A doctor should also evaluate electric cord burns in children.
At the hospital, doctors will run tests to check for damage to the heart, soft tissues, or other organs. They will also provide pain relief and treat any burns. Most people with electric shocks or burns will be able to go home unless there is significant damage that requires hospitalisation.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you should disconnect the person from the electrical current. If possible, turn off the source of power. If that's not possible, use non-conductive materials like a dry wooden broom handle to separate the person from the electricity source. Then, check if the person is conscious and breathing. If they are not breathing and you know CPR, perform CPR until emergency services arrive. If the person has sustained an electrical burn, treat it in the same way as you would any other burn. Rinse the burn under cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes, then cover it with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean, dry cloth. Finally, seek medical attention at a hospital's emergency department.
Electrical burns can cause serious damage, depending on the type of current (AC or DC), the voltage, and the pathway the electricity takes through the body. High-voltage electricity (greater than 500 volts) can lead to cardiac arrest, severe burns, and internal injuries. Even low-voltage shocks can result in unseen injuries to muscles, the heart, or the brain. Infection is the most common cause of death in people hospitalized after an electrical injury.
Electric shock signs and symptoms depend on the current type, voltage, duration of contact, and the overall health of the individual. Symptoms can include unconsciousness, numbness or tingling, muscle spasms, weak or irregular pulse, and burns. Even a mild electric shock can cause internal damage to the heart, so it's important to seek medical attention even if there aren't any noticeable symptoms.
To prevent electrical burns, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Always use a licensed electrician for electrical work and install safety switches. Never use electric appliances near water or with wet hands. Don't use any appliances with damaged or frayed cords, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for power tools.
