Electrical injury

Alternative names:

shock - electrical

First aid:

1. If possible, shut off the electrical current. Unplug the cord, remove the fuse from the fuse box, or turn off the circuit breakers if possible. Often, simply tuning off the appliance itself will not stop the flow of electricity.
   
   
2. Call for medical help.
   
   
3. If the current can't be turned off, use a non-conducting object such as a broom, chair, rug, or rubber doormat to push the victim away from the source of the current. Don't use a wet or metal object. If possible, stand on something dry and non-conducting, such as a mat or folded newspapers.
   
   
4. Once the victim is free of the source of electricity, check the person's breathing and pulse. If either has stopped or seems dangerously slow or shallow, initiate first aid (see CPR).
   
   
5. If the victim has a burn, remove any clothing that comes off easily and rinse the burned area in cool running water until the pain subsides. Give first aid for burns.
   
   
6. If the victim is faint or pale or shows other signs of shock lay the victim down, with the head slightly lower than the trunk of the body and the legs elevated, and cover the person with a warm blanket or coat.
   
   
7. Stay with the victim until you get medical help.
   
   
8. Electrical injury frequently causes explosions and falls which may lead to significant trauma, both obvious external injuries and concealed internal injuries. Avoid moving the victim's head or neck.

Do not:

• DO NOT touch the victim with your bare hands while the person is still in contact with the source of electricity.



• DO NOT remove dead skin or break blisters if the victim has acquired burns.



• DO NOT apply ice, butter, ointments, medications, fluffy cotton dressings, or adhesive bandages to a burn.



• DO NOT touch the skin of someone who is being electrocuted.



• DO NOT get within 20 feet of someone who is being electrocuted by high-voltage electrical current until the power is turned off.



• DO NOT move a victim of electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• The victim is unconscious, has difficulty breathing, or has extensive burns.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial