# Electrical Shock

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Injury to the body from direct contact with a high-voltage source.</span>

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: underline;">The danger from an electrical shock depends on:</span>**</span>

- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Voltage</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Length of time in contact with the source</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Overall health</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Electricity's path through your body</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Type of current (an alternating current is often more harmful than a direct current)</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Symptoms:**</span>

- ##### Loss of consciousness
- ##### Muscle spasms
- ##### Numbness or tingling
- ##### Breathing problems
- ##### Headache
- ##### Problems with vision or hearing
- ##### Burns
- ##### Seizures
- ##### Irregular heartbeat

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**Caution:**</span>

- ##### Don't touch an injured person who is still in contact with an electrical current.
- ##### 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.
- ##### Don't move a person with an electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.

<div id="bkmrk-"></div>#### **<span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">When to seek emergency care:</span>**

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:**</span>

- ##### Severe burns
- ##### Confusion
- ##### Difficulty breathing
- ##### Heart rhythm problems
- ##### Cardiac arrest
- ##### Muscle pain and contractions
- ##### Seizures
- ##### Loss of consciousness

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:**</span>

- ##### 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.
- ##### Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
- ##### Try to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled.
- ##### 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.

##### A person who has been injured by contact with electricity should be seen by a health care provider.