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:

• Voltage

• Length of time in contact with the source

• Overall health

• Electricity's path through your body

• Type of current (an alternating current is often more harmful than a direct current)

Symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle spasms

• Numbness or tingling

• Breathing problems

• Headache

• Problems with vision or hearing

• Burns

• Seizures

• Irregular heartbeat

Plan of Action:

Caution:

• 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.

When to seek emergency care:

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:

• Severe burns

• Confusion

• Difficulty breathing

• Heart rhythm problems

• Cardiac arrest

• Muscle pain and contractions

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:

• 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.