Electrical Burns
Electrical burns can be caused by many different sources. These sources of electricity can vary from lightning, to vehicle batteries, to household electrical currents. It is important to know that you should never try to assist a victim of an electrical burn when they are still in contact with the source. This could also incapacitate you, thus causing more problems than its worth.
Electrical burns can also cause unseen internal damage, therefore any individual that suffers such an injury should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some of the signs and symptoms of electrical burns include:
These are just a few of the many symptoms or signs, but are typically the most common. Below are some examples of what an electrical burn might look like. Most electrical burns have an entry and exit wound as the electricity is always looking for the least path of resistance to ground.
Electrical burns can also cause unseen internal damage, therefore any individual that suffers such an injury should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some of the signs and symptoms of electrical burns include:
- headache, dizziness, confusion, or memory loss
- abnormal heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- weak, stiff, or pain in muscles
- feelings of being unbalanced
- reddish or black urine
- whole body pain
These are just a few of the many symptoms or signs, but are typically the most common. Below are some examples of what an electrical burn might look like. Most electrical burns have an entry and exit wound as the electricity is always looking for the least path of resistance to ground.
Treatment for Electrical Burns
Treatment for electrical burns can vary based on the severity of the injuries sustained and the type/strength of the current that caused the injury. One constant is that all of these burns must be examined and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible since many burns of this type often have internal tissue damage that cannot be seen.
Minor Electrical Burns:
Major Electrical Burns:
Minor Electrical Burns:
- If possible, remove the source of electricity from the victim.
- If clothing or jewlery is near injury site, remove it before swelling happens. (Note: if clothing is stuck to the burn, this is no longer a minor injury and must be treated immediately. DO NOT remove clothing that has become attached to the skin!)
- Rinse wound with cool water until pain subsides
- Do not break any blisters that may have formed as these are protection against infection
- Apply an anitboitic ointment to the wound and finish with a clean, dry dressing
- Seek medical attention
Major Electrical Burns:
- Make sure you do not touch the victim if they are still connected to the electrical source. If possible, safely remove the source or turn off the electricity.
- Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger
- If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, check to see if CPR may be necessary due to the victim not breathing or has no pulse. If needed, begin CPR.
- Call 911 to get emergency medical technicians on the way
- While waiting for medical assistance, treat the wounds by applying dry, sterile gauze or bandage to the site. Ensure you do not remove any clothing that has become adhered to the injury. Also be sure NOT to use a towel or other article that has loose fibers as these can become attached to the burn site. Do not apply ice or water to the wound, nor should you put any type of grease or oil to it as it could cause more damage
- Check for symptoms of shock like cold, clammy skin. Ensure the victim remains warm by placing a blanket over them. This will also lessen any onset of shock to the victim. Continue monitoring the victim for any other signs of trauma.
- Await for medical assistance to arrive
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This video shows first aid for minor electrical burns
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This video shows what to do for electrical shock victims
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