Electrical Injuries

Burns

What is it?

Tissue damage from hot liquids, the sun, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam and other causes. 

Plan of Action:

Minor Burns
For major burns until emergency help arrives:

When to seek emergency care:

Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which:
Electrical burns, including those caused by lightning, and major chemical burns need emergency medical care. A minor burn might need emergency care if it affects the eyes, mouth, hands or genital areas. Babies and older adults might need emergency care for minor burns as well.

Electrical Burns

What is it?

A skin burn that occurs when the body comes in contact with electricity.

Symptoms:

Plan of Action:

For minor electrical burns:
When to contact your doctor:
A person who has been injured by contact with electricity should be seen by a health care provider. The damage may be worse than it looks from the burn on the skin. Sometimes an electrical injury can cause damage to skin, muscles, blood vessels and nerves, often in an arm or a leg. The heart, brain and other body organs can be damaged.
Caution

When to seek emergency care:

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:

Electrical Shock

What is it?

Injury to the body from direct contact with a high-voltage source.
The danger from an electrical shock depends on:

Symptoms:

Plan of Action:

Caution:

When to seek emergency care:

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
A person who has been injured by contact with electricity should be seen by a health care provider.