How the body reacts to different electric shock intensities and how to heal

Depending on where and how strong the electric shock comes from, several outcomes might occur. Light switch shocks, for instance, could just be minor, but coming into touch with industrial electrical sources might have serious consequences.

An electric shock occurs when an electric current contacts or passes through the body. Anywhere there is live power, it may occur.

Electrical injuries account for around 5% of burn unit admissions in the United States, according to a reliable source. In the event of an electrical burn or high-voltage shock, one should see a doctor right once.

This article discusses when to seek medical attention, examines the signs of an electric shock, and offers guidance on first aid techniques.

impacts on the body

Four basic forms of injuries are caused by electrical currents, according to Trusted Source:

Flash: Burns on the surface are usually the result of a flash injury. These happen as a result of an electrical explosion known as an arc flash. The skin is not penetrated by the current.

Flame: These wounds happen when an arc flash sets someone's clothing on fire. It's possible that the current won't go through the skin.

Lightning: These electrical discharges have a brief duration but a tremendous voltage. The body of an individual is permeated with current.

It's true that the individual joins the circuit and that electricity enters and leaves the body.

Electric shock symptoms might vary depending on a number of circumstances. Low voltage shocks tend to produce surface injuries, but continuous exposure to electrical current may result in deeper burns.

Electric shocks might result in secondary injuries. In response, someone could pull away, which might throw them off balance or lead them to fall and hurt another body part.

immediate consequences

The following are possible instant repercussions of an electrical damage, depending on how severe it is:

convulsions, burns, tingling or prickling feelings, and irregular heartbeat

unconsciousness and headaches

While some individuals may endure intense pain and visible tissue damage, others may just detect unpleasant sensations without any physical harm.

Within 24 to 48 hours after the electric shock, those who have not suffered a serious injury or irregular heart rhythm are unlikely to have them.

More serious consequences may consist of:

coma

cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest

Long-term consequences

According to one research, individuals who had received an electric shock had no increased risk of cardiac issues after five years of the event compared to those who had not.

Numerous symptoms, including physical and cognitive ones, may be experienced by an individualTrusted Source.

Regardless of whether a burn resulted from the electric shock, everyone who received one should see a medical practitioner.

What is a shock caused by electricity?

When an electric current travels from a live outlet to a bodily area, an electric shock occurs.

Electric shocks may occur by coming into touch with:

malfunctioning electrical equipment or appliances, home wiring, electrical power lines, and lighting outlets

A normal American home is powered by 110 volts (V) of residential electricity, while some gadgets need 240 V. Power and industrial lines have the potential to transport over 100,000 V.

Low voltage currents between 110 and 120 V may produce muscular spasms, while high voltage currents of 500 V or more can result in serious burns.

An electric shock may occur if an individual comes into touch with an electric current coming from a wall socket, extension cable, or small domestic device. Seldom do these shocks result in serious problems or trauma.

Workplaces account for almost halfTrusted Source of electrical injury cases. High-risk jobs for electrocutions that don't result in death include:

building recreation and lodging

health care and education

lodging and culinary services

producing

The severity of electric shock injuries may vary depending on a number of circumstances, such as:

the current's intensity

the kind of current—direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC)—the area of the body that the current reaches, the duration of exposure, and the resistance to the current

Initial Care

Most tiny home appliance electric shocks are not dangerous enough to need medical attention. Nonetheless, if someone has been electrocuted, they need to see a physician.

It is imperative that someone who has been shocked by high voltage phone 911 immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source provide the following guidance for bystander response in the event that an individual receives a major electric shock:

The individual may be in contact with the electrical source, therefore avoid touching them.

Make a 911 call, or ask someone else to do so.

Switch off the electrical source if it is safe to do so. If it's not safe, remove the source using a nonconductive item composed of cardboard, plastic, or wood.

Once the electrical source has been cut off, make sure the individual is breathing and check for a pulse. Start CPR as soon as possible if there is no pulse.

Lower the person's head below their torso and raise their legs if they seem pale or faint.

It is not appropriate for someone to remove burnt garments or touch any burns.

One may administer CPR by:

Apply compressions by placing one hand over the other in the center of the chest. provide firm, quick pressure with your body weight to provide compressions that are two inches deep. Delivering 100–120 compressions every 60 seconds is the goal.

Before giving rescue breaths, ensure sure the victim's mouth is clear. Next, raise their chin, clamp their nose shut, tilt their head back, and blow into their mouth to cause their chest to rise. After giving two rescue breaths, go on doing compressions.

It's crucial to keep going until assistance comes or the victim starts breathing.

Identification

The physician will do a comprehensive physical examination in the emergency room to determine if there has been any internal or exterior harm. They'll probably want testing, which might consist of:

pregnancy test, available exclusively to expectant mothers, to determine any potential effects on the growing fetus CT scan to examine the health of the brain, spine, and chest blood tests to screen for rhabdomyolysis

Only in the event that a medical practitioner suspects internal harm would they arrange blood tests and CT scans.

When to call a physician

Not everyone who receives an electric shock need medical attention in the emergency room. Individuals may heed this guidance:

Make a 911 call. case someone gets shocked by a high voltage, which is 500 VTrusted Source or more. Deep burns from these voltages may occur and need medical intervention right away.

If you get a burn from a low voltage shock, visit the emergency room. It's crucial to avoid attempting to treat the burn at home.

A person should see a doctor to make sure there is no harm if they get a low voltage shock but do not sustain burns.

Prospects

There are injuries that electric shocks may inflict that are not always evident. The severity of the damage may be lethal, depending on the voltage. To be sure there have been no injuries, even if someone survives the first electrocution, they should get medical help.

Call 911 immediately if you believe someone has received a serious electric shock.

A person need to see a physician even after a little shock.

Summary 

The damage that may result from electric shocks vary from slight to serious. Since many electric shocks happen in homes, it's critical to routinely inspect household equipment for damage.

Workers who are in close proximity to electrical system installations should exercise extra caution and adhere to safety protocols at all times.

Bystanders who see someone get a severe electric shock should dial 911 and, if it's safe, provide first help.