What is the first step to take if a person is receiving an electrical shock?
When an electric current touches or flows through the body, this is known as an electric shock. It can happen wherever there is live electricity. The effects of an electric shock range from none at all to severe injury and death. Show Approximately5%of burn unit admissions in the United States are due to electrical injuries. Anyone who receives a high voltage shock or an electrical burn should seek medical advice immediately. This article looks at the symptoms of an electric shock, provides advice on first aid procedures, and explains when to seek medical help. Effects on the bodyShare on PinterestA person may get an electric shock due to faulty household wiring. Electrical currents causefourmain types of injuries:
The symptoms of electric shock depend on many factors. Injuries from low voltage shocks are most likely to be superficial, whereas prolonged exposure to electrical current may cause deeper burns. Secondary injuries can occur following an electric shock. A person may respond by jerking away, which might cause them to lose balance or fall and injure another part of their body. Short-term effectsDepending on the severity of the electrical injury, its immediate effects may include:
Some people may notice unpleasant sensations but not have apparent physical damage, whereas others may experience a lot of pain and have obvious tissue damage. Those who have not experienced a significant injury or cardiac abnormalities within24–48 hoursof the electric shock are unlikely to develop them. More severe outcomes can include:
Long-term effectsOne study found that people who had received an electric shock were no more likely to develop heart problems within 5 years of the incident than those who had not. A person may experience a variety of symptoms, including neuropsychological andphysicalsymptoms. The symptoms may include: PsychologicalNeurologicalPhysicalpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)memory losspaindepressionconcentration difficultiesfatigueanxietytingling sensationsheadachesinsomniafaintingnight sweatsreduced attention spanloss of balancemuscle spasmspanic attackssciaticastiff joints Anyone who has experienced an electric shock, regardless of whether it has caused a burn, should seek advice from a healthcare professional. What is an electric shock?An electric shock occurs when an electric current passes from a live outlet to part of the body. Electric shocks can result from contact with:
The domestic electricity running through a typical U.S. household is110 volts (V), with some appliances needing 240 V. Industrial and power lines may carry more than 100,000 V. High voltage currents of 500 V and more can cause deep burns, while low voltage currents consisting of 110–120 V can result in muscle spasms. A person can get an electric shock through contact with an electric current from a small household appliance, wall outlet, or extension cord. These shocks rarely cause severe trauma or complications. Abouthalfof electrical injuries occur in the workplace. High risk occupations for nonfatal electrocutions include:
Several factors can affect the severity of electric shock injuries, including:
The let-go thresholdThe let-go threshold is the level where a person’s muscles contract, meaning that they are unable to let go of the electrical source until someone safely removes it. This table shows the body’s response to different intensities of current, using milliamps (mA) as the measurement: Current (mA)Response0.2–2an electrical sensation1–2+a painful shock3–5let-go threshold for children6–10minimum let-go threshold for adults10–20possible seizure at the contact point22inability to let go, for 99% of adults20–50possible seizures50–100possible life threatening heart rhythms First aid Minor electric shocks, such as those from small household appliances, do not typically need medical treatment. However, a person should see a doctor if they have experienced electrocution. If someone has received a high voltage shock, it is important to call 911 right away. If a person experiences a serious electric shock, theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)give the following advice for how to respond as a bystander:
A person can perform CPR by:
Diagnosis At the emergency department, the doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to assess potential external and internal damage. They will likely order tests, which may include:
A medical professional will only order CT scans and blood tests if they suspect internal injury. When to contact a doctorNot every person who experiences an electric shock needs to visit the emergency department. People can follow this advice:
Outlook Electric shockscan causeinjuries that are not always visible. Depending on how high the voltage was, the injury may be fatal. However, if a person survives the initial electrocution, they should seek medical attention to ensure that no injuries have occurred. Anyone who thinks that an individual has had a severe electric shock should call 911 right away. Even after a minor shock, a person should see a doctor. Summary Electric shocks range from minor to severe, as do the injuries they can cause. Many electric shocks occur in the home, so it is important to check household appliances regularly for signs of damage. People working in proximity to the installation of electrical systems should take particular care and always follow safety regulations. If a person has experienced a severe electric shock, a bystander should call 911 and administer first aid if it is safe to do so. |