Electrical burns can occur from many sources of electricity, including household or workplace electrical currents, lightning, and devices such as stun guns.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the burn involves high-voltage electricity or lightning exposure. Also seek emergency care if the injured person shows any of the following:
- Severe burns
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- No pulse and no breathing (cardiac arrest)
- Muscle pain, spasms, or contractions
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment
Minor Electrical Burns
Treat minor electrical burns as you would other minor burns:
- Apply a cool, wet cloth
- Gently clean the area
- Cover with a clean bandage
Serious Electrical Burns
After calling 911, take the following steps while waiting for help:
- Turn off the electricity if possible. If the power cannot be turned off, move the source away from yourself and the injured person using a dry, non-metal object such as wood, cardboard, or plastic.
- Begin CPR if the person is not breathing, coughing, moving, or has no pulse.
- Cover burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth or sheet.
- Prevent chilling by keeping the person warm without overheating them.
What to Avoid
For the injured person:
- Do not remove clothing or attempt to clean a serious burn.
- Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger.
- Do not cover them with towels or blankets that shed fibers—these can stick to the burn.
For your own safety:
- Do not go near high-voltage wires until power is confirmed off. Most overhead power lines are not insulated—stay at least 50 feet (15 meters) away, or farther if wires are sparking.
- Do not drive over downed power lines.
- If a live wire touches your vehicle, stay inside, call 911, and wait for emergency personnel to disconnect the power.
When to Call Your Doctor
Seek medical attention if you are unsure how severe the burn is.
Anyone who has been exposed to electrical current should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Electrical injuries can cause internal damage to skin, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and major organs—including the heart and brain—even when the surface burn appears minor.
Leave a Reply