Dealing With Electrical Shock Injuries

Helping the Injured

It is extremely important to exercise caution when attempting to help an individual who has experienced an electrical shock injury that occurred as a result of coming into contact with a high voltage electrical source. Individuals who come into contact with victims of these types of electrical injuries need to take precautions to prevent themselves from becoming second victims.

This is because coming into contact with the individual can lead to a similar type of electrical shock. This can also occur without actually touching the victim, but as a result of being in close proximity of where the injury occurred. For example, if a high voltage wire has fallen and is lying on the ground, it is possible that a circle of current has spread out from the tip of the electrical line.

In cases like this, the best course of action to take is to call 911 and wait for emergency assistance or to ask the 911 dispatcher for instructions on how to proceed while you are waiting for the paramedics to arrive on scene. The emergency personnel will notify the electric company of the situation and the power to the downed line will be disconnected so that the victim can be safely treated without incurring additional harm.

Common Causes of Electric Shock Injuries

Those people who work with high power lines such as cable or phone lines are at increased risk of sustaining a high voltage injury that causes them to fall from elevated heights. 

For this reason, it is important to never move them without the assistance of medical personnel.

Electric shock injuries can also occur as a result of being struck by lightning. Although it is an unusual form of electric shock, being struck by lightning can cause a variety of injuries, including external burns on the skin, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and neurological damage. Contrary to what you might think, many people do survive being struck by lightning. Other injuries can occur as a result of trauma from existing structures that were affected by the lightning strike, such as downed trees and falling tree limbs.

Electric Shock Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the electric shock, external damage, meaning injuries visible on the outside, may or may not occur.

External damage can range from mild skin irritation to severe skin burns. Burns that develop on the skin are generally the most severe at the point of contact. The most common points of contact for electric shock are the hands, feet (especially the heels) and head. Even in the absence of visible external damage, internal damage may be present, and it is possible that cardiac arrest will occur. Other injuries can occur in addition to or instead of burns to the skin. If the individual has experienced strong muscular contractions that results in forceful ejection away from the electrical source, injuries to the body’s structure may occur. These include broken bones, injuries to the neck or spine and damage to internal organs. Symptoms to watch for that may indicate broken bones or other internal damage include pain in the hands or feet, shortness of breath, pain in the abdomen, or chest pain.

When to Seek Medical Care

Any individual who experiences a high voltage electrical shock should seek immediate medical attention at the Emergency Room. Individuals who experience a low voltage injury should seek medical attention if they experience burns that do not heal, burns that are red and inflamed, or burns that ooze or have any type of drainage. Pregnant women, the elderly and children should seek immediate medical attention for both high and low voltage electrical shock injuries.

Those who are not sure whether their experience warrants medical attention should contact their doctor immediately, to seek advice on how to proceed. Not all electrical shock injuries require medical attention, but it is safer to get checked out if you have any preexisting medical conditions.