Molly Ayala
Electric shocks can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. If you experience an electric shock, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the shock is brief and there are no visible burns. Exposure to high-voltage electricity (above 500 volts) can cause severe damage and requires emergency medical care. In the event of a high-voltage shock, call for emergency services and do not attempt to move the person unless they are in danger of further injury. For low-voltage shocks, it is recommended to call a doctor and separate the person from the power source by unplugging the appliance or shutting off power via a circuit breaker. It is crucial to use common sense and take precautions when working with electricity, such as checking that the power is off and avoiding electrical devices near water. Electric shock injuries can have delayed complications, so prompt medical care is essential for reducing the risk of potential heart issues and other complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric shock | Occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source |
| Severity | Electric shock injuries can range from mild to severe, and some can be fatal |
| High-voltage electricity | Exposure to electricity above 500 volts can cause serious damage |
| Low-voltage electricity | Usually not fatal, but fatalities have occurred from electrical sources as low as 42 volts |
| Common causes | Biting an electric cord, using electrical devices near water, putting metal objects into electrical outlets |
| 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 |
| Medical attention | Seek care at a hospital's emergency department, especially for high-voltage shocks; go to the ER for an EKG to check for heart rhythm issues |
| Prevention | Use common sense, check that the power is off before working on electrical systems, keep electronic devices away from water |
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What You'll Learn
If you experience electric shock, seek medical attention
Electric shocks can cause a range of injuries, from mild to severe, and some can even be fatal. Even if the shock is minor, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Electric shocks can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately noticeable, and a doctor will be able to evaluate the extent of the injury.
If you experience a high-voltage electric shock (500 volts or more), you should go to a hospital emergency department immediately. High-voltage shocks can cause deep burns and serious internal injuries. Do not try to treat any burns at home. If you experience a low-voltage shock, you should still seek medical attention, especially if it has been a long time since your last tetanus booster or if you have any concerns.
If you are with someone who has experienced an electric shock, do not touch them if they are still in contact with the electrical current. Try to separate them from the source of the current by turning off the power or using a non-conductive object, such as a wooden or plastic broom handle. If you cannot turn off the power, stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a telephone book or a wooden board. Call 911 if the person is still in danger or has experienced a high-voltage shock.
It is important to remember that electric shocks can affect your heart rhythm, even if the shock is brief. An EKG can be used to check for any concerning changes in your heart rhythm, and a heart monitor can be used to watch for any unusual activity. Do not feel bad about seeking emergency medical attention after an electric shock, as it is a potentially very serious situation.
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Don't touch someone who's in contact with an electrical current
It is important to remember not to touch someone who is in contact with an electrical current. Doing so could result in you becoming a second victim of a similar electrical shock. Electric shocks can cause severe injuries and even affect your heart's rhythm, putting you at risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia.
If you see someone who is in contact with an electrical current, do not touch them. Call 911 or ask someone else to call emergency services immediately. If it is safe to do so, turn off the source of electricity. If you cannot turn off the power, use a non-conducting object made of wood, cardboard, or plastic to move the source of electricity away from the person. Remember to stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a wooden board, dry newspapers, or a telephone book.
Once the electrical current is no longer in contact with the person, check their vital signs. If they are not breathing and have no pulse, begin CPR immediately. If the person is conscious but faint or pale, lay them down with their head lower than their body and elevate their legs. Do not touch any burns or remove burned clothing.
It is important to seek medical attention after an electric shock, even if it appears to be minor. Electric shocks can have a range of effects on the body, and it is crucial to evaluate the extent of any injuries. A person may experience unpleasant sensations, pain, tissue damage, or secondary injuries due to falling or jerking away from the source of electricity. High-voltage shocks or electrical burns require immediate medical attention and can cause serious damage.
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Avoid water when using electrical devices
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and when you touch water that is in contact with electricity, you become electricity's path to the ground. Electricity will travel through the water and through you to the ground. Therefore, it is crucial to keep all electrical appliances away from water and ensure your hands are dry before touching anything electrical.
When your skin is wet, its resistance is much lower than when it is dry. Electricity will conduct through a wet environment far better than a dry one. Even a trace of water can be fatal with high voltages. For example, seawater is a million times better at conducting electricity than ultra-pure water due to its salt content.
To avoid water-related electrical accidents, be cautious when playing with high-power water squirters, keeping them away from power lines. If you are experiencing issues with your plumbing, such as receiving shocks from taps or faucets, it is important to call a plumber and an electrician. This could be due to faulty grounding in your house, which can be very dangerous.
If you see someone experiencing an electrical shock in the water, do not jump in. Instead, use a carbon fibre rod, such as a fiberglass Shepherd's crook, to extend to the person for them to grab on to, or loop the person's body and pull them to safety. Once they are out of the water, lie them on their back, check for breathing, and administer CPR if necessary. Then, call emergency services.
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Don't put metal objects into electrical sockets
Electric shocks can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. In the United States, around 30,000 non-fatal electric shock injuries occur annually, with about 1,000 of these resulting in death. Electric shocks can cause burns, blunt force trauma, broken bones, and cardiac issues.
To avoid electric shocks, it is important to exercise caution when dealing with electrical systems and devices. Do not put metal objects into electrical sockets, as this can result in a shock or electrocution. Metal is an excellent conductor of electricity, and inserting it into a live socket can cause a powerful electric current to flow through the object and anyone in contact with it. This can lead to serious injuries, including burns and electrical shock.
If you must insert something into a live electrical socket, use a dry, non-conductive material such as wood or plastic. Never use metal objects for this purpose, as they can easily transmit electricity and result in a shock. Always make sure that any electrical repairs or installations are handled by a professional electrician to reduce the risk of accidents.
In the event of an electric shock, it is important to act quickly and safely. If you are with someone who experiences an electric shock, call 911 immediately if they are still in contact with the electrical current. Do not touch them directly, as you could become a second victim of the shock. If possible, turn off the source of power to break the electrical contact. Stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a wooden board or dry newspapers, to avoid becoming shocked yourself. Stay clear of high-voltage power lines, as they can cause serious injuries or even death.
Electric shocks, even from low-voltage sources, can have serious and delayed complications. Always seek prompt medical care to reduce the risk of delayed complications such as infection and cardiac arrest. An EKG (electrocardiogram) can be performed at the hospital to check for any heart rhythm abnormalities caused by the electric shock.
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Don't yank on power cords, grab the plug
When unplugging a device, always grab the plug, not the cord. Yanking on the cord can damage the power cord itself, leaving wires exposed and creating a risk of electric shock. The rubber coating on the exterior of electronic cords is designed to protect you from electric shock. If this rubber is worn away or cracked, with wires under it frayed, the appliance may deliver an electric shock when used. In this case, the cords should be fixed or replaced.
If you experience an electric shock, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Even a brief shock can affect your heart's rhythm and put you at risk of cardiac arrest. An EKG can be performed at an ER or urgent care to check for any concerning heart activity.
If you are assisting someone who has sustained an electric shock, do not touch them if they are still in contact with an electrical current. If possible, turn off the source of power by unplugging the appliance. If the plug is damaged, you may need to shut off the power via a circuit breaker, fuse box, or outside switch. If you cannot turn off the power, stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a wooden board or telephone book.
It is important to use common sense to reduce the risk of electrical injury. Always check that the power is off before working on electrical systems, and avoid using electrical devices near water. Be cautious when outdoors during a thunderstorm, and do not climb on power towers or play near transformer systems.
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Frequently asked questions
If you experience an electric shock, seek medical attention immediately. Go to your nearest emergency room or call an ambulance. An electric shock can affect your heart rhythm and put you at risk of cardiac arrest.
If you experience a high-voltage electric shock (500 volts or more), call an ambulance immediately. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical current. If possible, turn off the source of the power.
If you experience a low-voltage electric shock, separate yourself from the source of the current. Unplug any appliances or shut off the power via a circuit breaker, fuse box, or outside switch. If you cannot turn off the power, stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a wooden board or telephone book.
Symptoms of an electric shock can include burns, blunt force trauma, broken bones, muscle spasms, and an irregular pulse.
To prevent electric shocks, always check that electrical devices are turned off before unplugging them and avoid using electronic devices near water. Regularly inspect your electrical cords for damage and do not use them if the wires are exposed or frayed.
