About this topic
Water and metal are good conductors of electricity. Your body carries electricity well because it has a lot of water. An electrical shock happens when there is a flow of electricity through your body. This may happen if you touch an electric circuit and the ground at the same time. ‚
The path where the electric current flows inside your body gets very hot. That is why an electric shock often causes a burn. It can also harm your heart, muscles, or brain. An injury from an electrical shock may be minor. Other times, it may be serious and cause lasting harm. You could die from an electric shock. ‚
Your injury is based on: ‚
- The type of current
- How high the voltage is
- How the current traveled through your body
What are the causes?
- Touching exposed wires
- Being struck by lightning
- Touching a high voltage energy source
- Touching someone who is still touching a live current
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to get an electric shock if you work around electricity. These shocks are more common after storms. The storm can loosen wires and cause them to fall into water. Small children are at a high risk for electric shocks as well. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Burns
- Heart attack
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble breathing or no breathing at all
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will want to know what caused your shock. Your doctor will look for skin burns and harm inside your body. The doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- X-rays
- CT scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Serious injuries need emergency medical care. You may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops beating.
- Your doctor will treat you based on how serious your injury is. A minor burn may heal without more care.
- The doctor may order a cream or ointment to be put on the burn.
- Ask your doctor how and how often to clean the wound or change the bandage.
- Surgery or skin grafting may be needed for very bad burns. Sometimes, the doctor must get rid of damaged tissues.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Serious shocks can cause wounds, like burns, that will need care. You may also have low blood pressure or bleeding that will need care. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat burns
- Treat infections
- Help with pain and swelling
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Cover electrical outlets.
- Replace poorly insulated wires or broken wires.
- Make sure that your hands are dry when handling electrical cords.
- Always check electrical tools before working on an electrical system.
- Do not play with any electrical cords.
- Always check that electrical tools or a machines power is off before working on electrical systems.
- If you are inside your house during a thunderstorm, turn off your TV, computers, and power tools. Avoid metal objects.
- Be careful when outdoors during a thunderstorm with lightning. Find a shelter right away. Protect yourself from lightning by staying away from trees, metal objects, water on the ground, or swimming pools.
- Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Use fire extinguishers.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Electric_shock ‚
Healthy Children ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Electric-Shock.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚