An electric shock arises if an individual was exposed to a source of electrical energy. The electricity flows via a region of the body which results to a shock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IrpzHE7c84
Being exposed to electrical energy might not result to any injury or cause significant damage or even death. An electric shock can be acquired from electrical appliances, electrical circuitry and wires.
In most cases, burns have been the usual injuries after sustaining an electric shock and from lightning strikes.
What are the signs?
An individual who sustained an electric shock might have minimal indication of injury or has severe burns. In some cases, the individual goes into cardiac arrest after an electric shock or lightning strike.
- Burns are generally severe at the site of contact with the source of electricity and the ground. The usual points of contact include the heels, hands and the head.
- Other injuries can also occur if the individual was thrown clear from the electrical source by forceful muscle contraction. There is a possibility of damage to the spinal cord and other internal injuries particularly if he/she has chest pain, shortness of breath or stomach pain.
- Foot or hand pain or irregularity of a body part might indicate a potential fracture from the shock that leads to strong muscle contractions.
- Among children, an electrical mouth burn can appear as a burn on the lip after biting an electrical cord. The site is usually darkened or reddened and charred appearance.
- Presence of entry and exit marks which indicates the extent of the electric shock.
- Cardiac arrest might occur in some individuals.
Management of electric shock
A short, low-voltage electric shock that does not trigger any symptoms or skin burns do not typically require medical care.
For a high-voltage shock or if it resulted to burns, call for emergency assistance or bring the individual to the nearest emergency department.
Medical care
The treatment for electric shock is based on the seriousness of the burns or if other injuries are present.
Burns are managed based on their severity:
- Minor cases can be managed with the application of a topical antibiotic ointment as well as dressings.
- Severe burns might necessitate surgery to cleanse the wound or grafting of the skin
- If there are serious burns on the arms, hands or legs, surgery is needed to remove any injured muscle or amputation.
Other injuries that require treatment include:
- Fractures which necessitate splinting, casting or surgery to stabilize the damaged bones
- Eye injuries require assessment and proper care by an eye specialist
- Any internal injuries might require monitoring or surgical intervention
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on electric shock is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn how it is managed, register for a first aid and CPR course with Ottawa First Aid.