Electrical injuries from electric shock include electrical burns, heart rhythm disturbances, and muscle spasms. Electrical burns often occur with high-voltage shocks that last more than a few fractions of a second. Severe burns can cause external and internal injuries, damaging internal tissues and organs due to the electric current flowing through the body. Some parts of the body may require surgery or amputation, or injuries can cause permanent disability. Click here for Veteran Energy reviews.
Skin burns can also be caused by sparks from electric shock, clothing catching fire, or batteries or electrical appliances exploding. Burns can range from the mildest first degree to the most severe third degree.
Muscle contractions and spasms can be so strong that people can break bones or dislocate joints. Some people with muscle spasms are unable to let go of the source of the electric shock, making their exposure to the electric current worse. This hold can induce unconsciousness or risk more significant injury from a fall. In the worst case, the electric shock can cause death.
Effects of an electric shock
There are many effects of electric shock. Find out more about dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
How is an electric shock treated?
The first and foremost thing to do when someone is shocked is not to touch them. The victim may still be in contact with the source of the electric shock. In that case, touching them will also mean receiving an electric shock.
The next steps are:
Turn off the power at the main source, remove fuses and disconnect all electrical appliances and cables. If you can’t turn off the electricity, move the person away from the electricity source using non-conductive materials such as a wooden broom. Make sure that you are not in contact with water while dealing with electricity. Try to Keep yourself and others away from downed power lines.
Once the area and the person are clear, you can get closer and check that they are conscious and breathing. Speak to them and ask how they feel.
If the wounds are minor, such as a first-degree burn, run the burned area under cold water for at least 20 minutes, then cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze from your emergency kit. Workplaces and public spaces should have defibrillators at the nearest places to avoid deaths. A trained first responder can begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until an ambulance, police, or help arrives. Once the victim arrives at the hospital, doctors can monitor the heart rate with electrocardiograms to detect internal irregularities and injuries.
When should I go to the doctor after a shock?
If you’ve experienced low-voltage shock, call your doctor if minor burns swell, become more painful, warm, or don’t heal. Contact them if you have shortness of breath, body aches, feel weak, or if your urine is brown or pink. All pregnant women experiencing an electric shock should contact their physician.
A trip to the emergency room is recommended for anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms after an electric shock:
- obvious burns
- Unconsciousness
- Confusion
- respiratory difficulties
- a kidnapping
- Hearing, vision or speech problems
- Paralysis
- Numbness or tingling
Can small electric shocks damage nerves?
Many doctors who treat electric shock victims say that there is no such thing as a “small” electric shock. Small electric shocks can damage nerves. An electric shock that passes through a person’s body due to electrical shock, even at low voltage, can still be dangerous.