First Aid For A Victim Of Electrical Burns

An electrical burn may appear minor or not show on the skin at all,
but the damage can extend deep into the
tissues beneath your skin. If a strong
electrical current passes through your body,
internal damage, such as a heart rhythm
disturbance or cardiac arrest, can occur. Sometimes the jolt associated with the
electrical burn can cause you to be thrown
or to fall, resulting in fractures or other
associated injuries. Call for medical assistance if the person
who has been burned is in pain, is confused,
or is experiencing changes in his or her
breathing, heartbeat or consciousness. While helping someone with an electrical
burn and waiting for medical help, follow
these steps: Look first. Don’t touch. The person may still
be in contact with the electrical source.
Touching the person may pass the current
through you. Turn off the source of electricity if
possible. If not, move the source away from
both you and the injured person using a dry,
nonconducting object made of cardboard,
plastic or wood. Check for signs of circulation (breathing,
coughing or movement). If absent, begin
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
immediately. Prevent shock. Lay the person down with
the head slightly lower than the trunk, if
possible, and the legs elevated. Cover the affected areas. If the person is
breathing, cover any burned areas with a
sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a
clean cloth. Don’t use a blanket or towel,
because loose fibers can stick to the burns.