Umair Gaines
Electric shock occurs when an electrical current passes through your body. Electric shocks can cause a range of injuries, from mild to severe, and sometimes even death. The severity of the injury depends on the type of current, the amount of current, and the pathway the electricity takes through the body. If you or someone you know has been electrocuted, it is important to act quickly. Here are some crucial steps to follow in case of an electric shock:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if someone is being electrocuted | Turn off the power source if possible. Call 911 or the local emergency service. Do not approach the person or attempt to render first aid until they are no longer in contact with the source of electricity. |
| What to do if someone has been hit by electricity | Call 911 or the local emergency service, especially if the person has trouble breathing, loses consciousness, has seizures, or is experiencing symptoms of a heart issue such as a fast heartbeat. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the source of electricity. If they are in danger of further injury, move them away from the source of electricity using a non-conducting object such as wood or rubber. |
| What to do to prevent electrical injury | Always use a licensed electrician for electrical work. Install safety switches and test them routinely. Never use electrical appliances near water or in wet areas. Do not use any appliance with a damaged or frayed cord. Wear rubber or plastic-soled shoes when using electrical appliances. |
| What to do to prevent electrical injury in children | Inspect power cords and extension cords. Replace any with broken or cracked external coverings or exposed wires. Do not allow children to play with electrical cords. Use outlet covers to protect infants from electrical outlets. Update old, ungrounded electrical outlets to grounded (three-prong) systems. |
| What to do to prevent electrical injury in adolescents | Explain the dangers of climbing on power towers, playing near transformer systems, or exploring electrified train rails and other electrical infrastructure. |
| What to do after experiencing an electric shock | See a doctor, even if the injuries seem minor, to check for internal injuries. |
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What You'll Learn
Call 911 or emergency services
If someone has been electrocuted, it is important to call 911 or the local emergency services immediately. Do not delay, as prompt medical attention is crucial in such situations.
If the person has been struck by lightning or has come into contact with high-voltage electricity, such as power lines, do not approach them or attempt to provide first aid until the electricity has been turned off or safely disconnected. Call 911 right away, as high-voltage shocks can cause serious damage and even result in long-term disabilities or fatalities. Stay at least 20 feet away from the individual if they are still in contact with high-voltage power lines.
If the person is no longer in contact with the electrical source, you can render first aid while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Check their breathing and pulse, and if necessary, perform CPR if they are not breathing or have lost consciousness. If the person is experiencing difficulty breathing, is unconscious, or experiencing seizures, muscle pain, numbness, or symptoms of a heart issue such as a fast heartbeat, these are all reasons to call 911 or emergency services.
Even if the electric shock seems minor, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any internal injuries or less visible complications. Electric shocks can cause internal damage that may not be immediately apparent, and seemingly minor injuries can sometimes lead to fatal complications. Call 911 or emergency services if the person has sustained any burns, especially around the mouth, as this could indicate a more serious injury.
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Turn off the power source
If someone is being electrocuted, the first thing to do is to turn off the power source if it is possible to do so safely. This is important because if you touch the person while they are still in contact with the electrical current, you could become a second victim of electrical shock. If the power source is not something you can safely turn off, such as a high-voltage power line that has fallen to the ground, you should stay at least 20 feet away and call 911 or your local emergency services.
If you are able to safely turn off the power source, you should do so using a non-conducting object made of wood or rubber. Do not use anything that is wet or metal-based. Once the power source has been turned off, you can then approach the person and begin providing first aid. If they are unconscious, you should check their breathing and pulse and perform CPR if necessary. If they are conscious but look pale or faint, gently lay them down with their head slightly lower than their chest and their feet elevated, and keep them warm with a coat or blanket until medical professionals arrive.
If the power source cannot be turned off, you may need to move the person away from the source of electricity. This can be done using a non-conducting object such as wood or rubber, but if these are not available, you may need to get creative, like the person in this story who used a chair to push their friend away from the power source. Just be aware that moving the person could cause further injuries, so only do this if they are in danger of further electrical shock.
Even if the person does not seem to be seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Electric shock can cause internal injuries that are hard to detect without a thorough medical exam. Complications from electric shock can be serious and even life-threatening, so it is always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor.
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Stay away from the person
If someone is being electrocuted, it is important to stay away from them until the power source is turned off or until the electricity is no longer in contact with the person. This is because if you touch someone who is still in contact with the electrical current, you could become a second victim of a similar electrical shock.
If the person has been electrocuted by downed power lines, stay away from them until the utility company has verified that the power lines have been de-energized. The voltage of electricity is strongest and most dangerous when it is closest to its source. Even if you do not have direct contact with the person, you could still be electrocuted by the step potential of the electrical current.
If the person is in a swimming pool, do not enter the water to rescue them. Call 911 immediately and attempt to rescue the person from outside the pool using a non-conducting object made of wood or rubber. If the person is unconscious, perform CPR and, if they are not breathing, use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if one is available.
If the person is no longer in contact with the electricity source, you can approach them and render first aid. Check their breathing and pulse and, if necessary, perform CPR until emergency help arrives. If the person is responsive but looks pale or faint, gently lay them down with their head slightly lower than their chest and their feet elevated, and keep them warm until medical professionals arrive.
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Check for injuries
It is important to check for injuries when someone has been hit by electricity. Electric shocks can cause a range of injuries, from mild to severe, and some can even be fatal. Here are some important things to keep in mind when checking for injuries:
Firstly, determine the type of current (AC or DC) and the amount of current, as this will impact the severity of injuries. AC current is often more harmful than DC because it causes muscle spasms that make it harder to drop the source of electricity. Low-voltage electricity (less than 500 volts) may result in superficial burns or other minor injuries, while exposure to high-voltage electricity (greater than 500 volts) can cause serious damage.
Look for any burns on the skin, as electric shocks can cause thermal burns. Cover any burns with sterile gauze to protect the skin and prevent infection. Burns on sensitive areas like the eyes may require examination and treatment by an eye specialist.
Check for broken bones or deformities, especially in the hands or feet. Electric shocks can cause forceful muscular contractions that may result in fractures or dislocations.
Be aware of potential internal injuries, as they may not be immediately apparent. Look for signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain, which could indicate internal organ damage. Electric shocks can also cause compartment syndrome, where muscle damage leads to swelling in the limbs and compression of arteries.
Keep an eye on the person's vital signs, including breathing and pulse. If they are unconscious, perform CPR until emergency help arrives. Electric shocks can affect the heart, so it is important to monitor for any symptoms of cardiac issues, such as a fast heartbeat.
Remember, even if the person seems to have only minor injuries, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any less visible or delayed complications. Infection and cardiac arrest are common delayed complications of electric shock injuries.
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Seek medical attention
If someone has been electrocuted, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Do not approach the person or attempt to provide first aid until they are no longer in contact with the electrical source. If possible, turn off the source of electricity. If you cannot turn off the power, use a non-conducting object made of wood or rubber to move the source of electricity away from the person. If they have been shocked by high-voltage power lines, stay at least 20 feet away.
Even if the injuries seem minor, it is crucial to see a doctor after an electric shock to check for internal injuries, which can be hard to detect without a thorough medical exam. Electric shock can cause a range of injuries, including burns, spine injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. A doctor will be able to evaluate the extent of the injuries and provide the necessary treatment. For example, they may recommend a hospital stay to monitor for any heart issues or severe injuries.
High-voltage shocks (above 500 volts) can cause serious damage and require immediate medical attention. Seek care at a hospital's emergency department for any high-voltage shock or any shock resulting in burns. A doctor should also evaluate electric cord burns to the mouth of a child, as these can cause heavy bleeding when the scab falls off.
Low-voltage shocks may not require immediate medical attention, but it is still important to get an evaluation from a healthcare professional. They can determine if there are any underlying issues or potential complications. In some cases, low-voltage shocks can cause compartment syndrome, which happens when muscle damage causes the limbs to swell, compressing arteries and leading to serious health problems.
Electric shock injuries can range from mild to severe, and some can be fatal. Even after successful treatment, serious electric shock injuries can result in lifelong complications, including certain psychiatric disorders. It is important to take electric shock injuries seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have been electrocuted, let go of the electric source immediately. If possible, call 911 or your local emergency services. If you are unable to, shout for someone else to call for you. Do not move unless you need to get away from the electric source. If someone else has been electrocuted, do not touch them if they are still in contact with the source of electricity.
The symptoms of an electric shock depend on its severity. They can include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle pain or numbness, and symptoms of a heart issue, such as a fast heartbeat.
Call 911 immediately, then contact the power or utility company responsible for the downed power lines. Stay away from the victim until the utility company has turned off the power.
If the victim is not breathing, you can perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if one is available. If the victim's heart has stopped beating, perform CPR until emergency services arrive. If the victim is vomiting or has lost consciousness, roll them onto their side.
