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:
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Voltage
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Length of time in contact with the source
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Overall health
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Electricity's path through your body
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Type of current (an alternating current is often more harmful than a direct current)
Symptoms:
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Loss of consciousness
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Muscle spasms
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Numbness or tingling
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Breathing problems
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Headache
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Problems with vision or hearing
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Burns
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Seizures
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Irregular heartbeat
Plan of Action:
Caution:
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Don't touch an injured person who is still in contact with an electrical current.
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Call 911 or your local emergency number if the source of the burn is a high-voltage wire or lightning. Don't get near high-voltage wires until the power is turned off. Overhead power lines usually aren't insulated. Stay at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away — farther if wires are jumping and sparking.
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Don't move a person with an electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.
When to seek emergency care:
Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:
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Severe burns
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Confusion
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Difficulty breathing
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Heart rhythm problems
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Cardiac arrest
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Muscle pain and contractions
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Seizures
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Loss of consciousness
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
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Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, use a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood to move the source away from you and the injured person.
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Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
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Try to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled.
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Apply a bandage. Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel, because loose fibers can stick to the burns.