Electrical Burns

Who is most at risk of electrical burns?

•    In the workplace, electricians are most at risk of suffering injuries related to electricity.

•    In the household, young children are most at risk of injury through electricity.

•    Electrical burns can be caused by anything with an electric current from plug sockets to live wires and generators.

What is an electrical burn?

•    Electrical burns are caused by either an exogenous electric shock or an uncontrolled short circuit.

•    A burn from a hot, electrified heating element is not considered an electrical burn.

•    Common occurrences of electrical burns include workplace injuries, or being defibrillated or cardioverted without a conductive gel. Lightning is also a rare cause of electrical burns.

•    Even when the injury does not involve any visible tissue damage, electrical shock survivors may experience significant internal injury. The internal injuries sustained may be disproportionate to the size of the burns seen (if any), and the extent of the damage is not always obvious. Such injuries may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and unexpected falls with resultant fractures.

First Aid

•    According to the NHS, anyone who has suffered an electrical burn should seek immediate medical attention at the A&E department.

•    If the individual has been burnt by a low voltage source of 220-240 volts (a domestic supply), one should turn off the power supply. If necessary, remove the injured person from the power source using a non conductive material such as a wooden stick.

•    If the injured person is connected to a high voltage source (1000 volts or more), do not approach them. This could cause further injury to both the victim and yourself. In such cases, ambulance assistance may be required.