Electrical Burns and Injuries
by
Sid Kirchheimer DefinitionElectrical burns and injuries are the result electrical currents passing through the body. Temporary or permanent damage can occur to the skin, tissues, and major organs. Extent of the damage depends on the strength and duration of the electrical current. CausesElectrical burns and injuries result from accidental contact with exposed parts of electrical appliances, wiring, or lightning strikes. Appliance or wiring injuries may occur when:
Occupational accidents can occur from electric arcs from high-voltage power lines. Electric arcs occur when a burst of electricity jumps from one electrical conductor to another, creating bright flashes. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of an electrical burn or injury:
SymptomsSymptoms will depend on the amount of electricity that passed through the body and length of time the current was in contact with the body. An electrical shock can cause severe muscle contractions. These contractions can causes falls or injuries, including broken bones. Other symptoms include:
The electrical current can also disrupt certain functions in the body which may cause:
Electricity can also cause cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and/or unconsciousness. DiagnosisElectrical burns and injuries will be diagnosed based on events and symptoms. A physical exam will be done. Like other burns, electrical burns have 3 degrees of severity, each with distinctive symptoms:
It may be more difficult to diagnosis damage under the skin caused by electricity. Tests may include: TreatmentIf possible, cut the power source by throwing a switch or circuit breaker, or unplugging the power. Do not endanger yourself. Call for emergency medical services right away. Treatment will depend on the extent of injuries. Treatment will depend on the individual's response to the electric shock and what injuries were caused. Less severe symptoms may only require observation and time to fade. Some symptoms can linger over long periods of time. Emergency CareSevere shocks that have caused the heart to stop, a loss of consciousness, seizures or severe injury will need emergency help. Emergency response and first aid must be done quickly to restore breathing and prevent further injury or death. Some emergency steps may include:
Surgery may also be needed to care for deeper burns or repair some wounds. Follow-up CareSome complications from electrical injuries can have a delayed onset. Observation and future testing may be needed for symptoms that develop after the incident. Later complications may arise from heart, kidney, or nerve damage. PreventionTo help reduce your chances of electrical burns and injuries:
RESOURCES:American Burn Association http://ameriburn.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Burn Survivors Community http://canadianburnsurvivors.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:
Electrical injury. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116526/Electrical-injury
. Updated June 8, 2017. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Electrical injuries. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated August 2016. Accessed November 3, 2014. Fire safety. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2014. Accessed December 21, 2017. Fish RM, Geddes LA. Conduction of electrical current to and through the human body: A review.
Eplasty. 2009;9:e44. Lightning injuries. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated August 2016. Accessed December 21, 2017. Sanford A, Gamelli RL. Lightning and thermal injuries. Handb Clin Neurol. 2014;120:981-986. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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