What are the signs and symptoms of electrical shock in the body? How can one respond to an electrical shock incident? Discover the causes, symptoms, and appropriate actions to take in case of an electrical shock.

Understanding Electrical Shocks: Causes and Consequences

Electrical shocks can occur when a person’s body comes into contact with an electrical current, leading to a range of consequences that can be both physiological and psychological. These shocks can result from faulty electrical equipment, lightning strikes, or interaction between electricity and water. While the word “shock” may refer to various situations, in the medical context, it specifically describes a state where the body’s cells do not receive adequate oxygen-rich blood, which can lead to severe outcomes if left untreated.

Types of Medical Shock: Differentiating the Causes

There are four distinct types of medical shock, each characterized by the underlying cause that leads to a decrease in blood flow to the body’s cells and tissues:

1. Hypovolemic Shock: This type of shock is typically caused by severe blood loss or dehydration, leading to a decreased volume of blood in the body.
2. Cardiac Shock: Also known as cardiogenic shock, this occurs when the heart is unable to effectively pump blood, often due to a heart attack, heart failure, or an injury to the chest that damages the heart.
3. Obstructive Shock: Obstructive shock happens when a blockage in the cardiovascular system, such as a pulmonary embolism, prevents blood from flowing to the body’s tissues and organs.
4. Distributive Shock: Also known as vasodilatory shock, this type occurs when fluid collects between the cells of the organs, making it difficult for blood to reach the tissues. Common causes include anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) and sepsis (systemic infection).

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Electrical Shock

While the causes of medical shock may vary, the symptoms are generally the same, as they are a result of the body’s organs and tissues not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. The common signs and symptoms of shock include:

• Cold, pale, or clammy skin
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Dizziness or fainting
• Blue or gray lips and fingernails
• Irritability or anxiety
• Nausea or vomiting

Immediate Response: First Aid for Electrical Shock

If a person is experiencing signs of electrical shock, it is crucial to act quickly and call emergency services immediately, even if the symptoms appear mild. While waiting for medical assistance, there are several steps one can take to provide first aid:

1. Help the person lie down and elevate their feet, if possible.
2. Avoid moving the person if they may have sustained head, neck, or back injuries.
3. Perform first aid on any visible injuries, if necessary.
4. Keep the person warm using a blanket or coat.
5. Refrain from giving the person any food or drink.
6. Check the person’s breathing and pulse at least every 5 minutes, and administer CPR if they are not breathing.
7. Turn the person on their side if they are choking or vomiting.

Determining the Underlying Cause: Medical Evaluation and Treatment

When the medical team arrives, they will assess the person’s condition and work to determine the underlying cause of the shock. This may involve conducting various tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, urine tests, and CT scans. The treatment plan will then be tailored to address the specific cause of the shock, which could include measures like blood transfusions, IV fluids, or medication to restore proper blood flow.

Recovering from Electrical Shock: Long-Term Considerations

After receiving treatment for electrical shock, the person may need to undergo a follow-up plan to prevent future occurrences. This may include additional treatments, lifestyle changes, or the use of medications, depending on the underlying cause. Recovery from electrical shock can be a lengthy process, and the person may experience fatigue, muscle aches, and difficulties with strength or mental function. Rehabilitation, either in a hospital or another facility, may be necessary to aid in the recovery process, and assistance with daily tasks at home may also be required.

Preventing Electrical Shocks: Awareness and Safety Measures

To reduce the risk of experiencing an electrical shock, it is crucial to be aware of potential hazards and take appropriate safety precautions. This includes regularly inspecting electrical equipment for any signs of damage or wear, avoiding the use of electrical devices near water, and being cautious when working with or around electricity. Additionally, individuals should familiarize themselves with first aid procedures and be prepared to respond quickly in the event of an electrical shock incident.

Signs, symptoms, and what to do

The word shock can describe several different situations. Medical shock happens when the body’s cells do not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is not a disease but a result of an illness or injury.

A person may also feel shocked when they experience something unexpected. This shock is psychological and usually does not cause any medical problems.

Another type of shock is an electric shock, which occurs when a person sustains an injury as a result of exposure to electrical energy. Causes of an electric shock include faulty electrical equipment, lightning strikes, and contact with electricity and water.

Although many different problems can cause medical shock, its symptoms are often the same. Medical shock is always an emergency. Without treatment, shock may cause permanent organ damage or death.

Share on PinterestA range of events can cause a person to experience shock.

There are four different types of medical shock. The name of each type describes how it causes a decrease in blood flow to the cells and tissues.

The four types are:

• Hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemia is a decreased volume of blood in the body, and it may happen if a person is bleeding heavily or becomes severely dehydrated. This type of shock is usually due to severe blood loss following a traumatic injury.
• Cardiac shock (also known as cardiogenic shock). This type of shock occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood. The causes of cardiac shock include a heart attack, heart failure, severe blood loss, or an injury to the chest that damages the heart.
• Obstructive shock. Obstructive shock happens when a blockage in the cardiovascular system, such as a pulmonary embolism, keeps blood from flowing to the body’s tissues and organs.
• Distributive shock (also known as vasodilatory shock). In distributive shock, fluid may collect between the cells of the organs, making it hard for the blood to reach the tissues. The most common causes of distributive shock include anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction, and sepsis. Poisoning or toxicity from drugs can also cause this type of shock.

Although medical shock has many different causes, its symptoms are generally the same. The symptoms are a result of the body’s organs and tissues not getting enough oxygen.

Signs and symptoms of shock include:

• cold, pale, or clammy skin
• excessive sweating
• fast heart rate
• shallow and rapid breathing
• drowsiness
• fainting
• blue or gray lips or fingernails
• irritability
• anxiety
• dizziness
• enlarged pupils
• nausea or vomiting

If a person is in shock, the first step is to call 911 or the local emergency number, even if the symptoms are mild.

While waiting for the medical team, people can assist by:

• helping the person lie down and elevate their feet, if possible
• avoiding moving the person if they may have injured their head, neck, or back
• performing first aid on injuries if necessary
• keeping the person warm with a blanket or coat
• refraining from giving the person food or drink
• checking for breathing and a pulse at least every 5 minutes (if the person is not breathing, a trained person can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR))
• turning the person on their side if they are choking or vomiting

Medical professionals often recognize shock because of its characteristic signs, including low blood pressure.

The treatment for shock will vary based on the underlying cause. For instance, a person experiencing anaphylaxis may need a shot of epinephrine, which can treat severe allergic reactions.

If a person has sepsis, they may need antibiotics, oxygen, and intravenous (IV) fluids.

People with hypovolemic shock may need a blood transfusion and IV fluids. Doctors may start blood transfusions or other measures to help restore proper blood flow, even if they do not know the underlying cause.

The medical team may run various tests to determine the cause of shock, including:

• X-rays
• blood tests
• urine tests
• CT scans

After a person receives treatment for shock, a doctor may help them put a follow-up plan in place to help prevent another event. Some examples include:

• People who have cardiogenic shock due to a blood clot may need additional treatment to break up the clot.
• A person who went into anaphylactic shock may need to carry epinephrine or other medications to help stop allergic reactions. They will also need to avoid contact with allergens in the future.
• A person who had a heart attack may require lifestyle changes and medications to help reduce the chances of another heart attack.

It can take some time to recover from any type of medical shock. Shock can cause fatigue, muscle aches, and trouble with strength or mental function. Sometimes, these effects are long lasting.

People may need rehabilitation, either in the hospital or in another facility. They may also need help with tasks at home as they recover.

After septic shock, some people experience lingering side effects, such as pain or trouble concentrating or remembering things. Depression or anxiety may also occur. Talking to a doctor about these effects can help during recovery.

Medical shock is a life threatening condition. It occurs when the organs in the body are not getting enough oxygen.

Causes of shock include severe blood loss, dehydration, and a cardiac event. It is important to seek immediate medical care for any symptoms of shock, even if they are mild.

Electric shock – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• The human body conducts electricity.
• Disconnect the power supply before trying to help someone suffering from an electric shock.
• Be especially careful in wet environments and around fallen powerlines, they may still be conducting electricity even if they are broken or not moving.
• Always hire a licensed electrician for all electrical work around the home.

What is electric shock?

Our bodies conduct electricity. If any part of your body meets live electricity an electric current flows through the tissues, which causes an electric shock. People sometimes call it electrocution.

Depending on the length and severity the electric shock, injuries can include:

• burns to the skin
• burns to internal tissues
• electrical interference or damage (or both) to the heart, which could cause the heart to stop or beat erratically.

It is important to seek medical attention for mild electric shock to assess whether the heart has been affected.

What causes electric shock?

Some causes of electric shock include:

• faulty appliances
• damaged or frayed cords or extension leads
• electrical appliances in contact with water
• incorrect, damaged or deteriorated household wiring
• downed powerlines
• lightning strike.

If it is safe to do so, disconnect the power supply before trying to help someone with electric shock.

Symptoms of electric shock

Typical symptoms of an electric shock include:

• unconsciousness
• difficulties in breathing or no breathing at all
• a weak, erratic pulse or no pulse at all
• burns, particularly at the place where the electricity entered and left the body (entrance and exit burns)
• cardiac arrest.

Although someone who has had an electric shock may appear unharmed, they should still receive medical attention. Some injuries and complications may not be obvious initially. A medical examination is important after any electric shock.

First aid for electric shock

First-aid steps for electric shock:

• Check for danger – make sure you, the injured person and others around you are safe.
• Try to switch off or disconnect the power supply. Do not touch the person until you are sure power is turned off. Be careful in wet environments, such as bathrooms, as water conducts electricity.
• If you are in a building or the power lines have come down, it may be safer to disconnect the whole electricity supply. You may need to wait for authorised electricity personnel to do this especially if there are live wires.
• If you cannot switch off the power supply, try to remove the person without touching them directly. Use something that is dry and does not conduct electricity (such as a wooden broom handle)
• Follow the DRSABCD method for first aid which includes checking the injured person’s response, airway and breathing. It may be necessary to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Send for help – Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. The operator will organise assistance for you while you continue talking on the phone. They may give you first aid instructions over the phone. If you can, put your phone on loudspeaker.

Treating burns

If the person is breathing steadily and they are responsive, attend to their injuries:

• Talk calmly and reassure the person.
• Cool the burn area with cool running water for 20 minutes.
• Cover burns with dressings that won’t stick to the skin. If you don’t have dressings available, loosely applied cling wrap can be used. Do not apply cling wrap tightly or wrap around a body part, as this will cause complications if the injured area swells.
• Never put ointments or oils onto burns.
• Try not to move anyone who has fallen from a height as they may have spinal injuries. Only move them if there is a chance of further danger from the environment, such as falling objects.

Fallen powerlines

Powerlines can come down for many reasons:

• extreme weather conditions such as floods and bushfires
• motor vehicle accidents
• fallen trees
• workplace accidents.

Standing near fallen powerlines can be dangerous. Always stay more than 8-10 metres away. Do not go near anything that may be touching them such as vehicles, water or metal fences or other metal objects.

Powerlines and vehicle accidents

Sometimes, powerlines are downed in vehicle accidents and may drape over your vehicle.

If this happens, your tyres act as insulation. It is important to stay inside the vehicle so you will be safe from electric shock.

If you arrive on the scene of an accident where the powerlines have come down, do not approach until it has been declared safe by the proper authorities. Stand well back and encourage any bystanders to keep a distance of more than 8-10 metres.

Even if the lines or wires are broken or not moving, they may still be live. All fallen powerlines should be treated as live.

If someone needs to get out of the vehicle because of a hazard (such as fire) instruct them to keep their feet close together and to jump away, not walk. This can reduce the chance of an electric shock if wires are on the ground. Only advise this action if the person is unable to remain in the vehicle due to an immediate safety concern.

Safety tips around the home to reduce the risk of electric shock

You can reduce the risk of electric shock in your home by taking a few precautions:

• Don’t be tempted to do your own electrical work. Although you may think it looks easy to do jobs yourself, such as changing power points or switches, always hire a licensed electrician. Check Energy Safe VictoriaExternal Link for a list of registered tradespeople.
• Do not use extension leads or appliances if the cords are damaged or frayed. Throw them away if they are damaged in any way.
• Do not remove a plug from a power point by pulling on the cord – pull the plug instead.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet areas. Electricity and water don’t mix.
• Wear rubber or plastic soled shoes when using electrical appliances, especially in wet areas, on concrete or outdoors.
• Have safety switches installed by an electrician.
• Buy portable power boards with built-in safety switches.
• Insert safety plugs into unused power points to stop children from inserting objects into them.
• If you have children, turn off and unplug electric appliances and keep them out of reach (this includes electrical cords).
• Get household wiring checked by a registered electrician, especially if your house is more than 30 years old.
• When buying electrical appliancesExternal Link, check they meet Australian safety standards. Be extra cautious when shopping online.
• If you plan to buy second-hand appliances, check they meet Australian standards and are not damaged. It is a good idea to have them checked by someone who is qualified in electrical repairs such as a licensed electrician.
• If you use a metal ladder, make sure it has rubber feet. When metal contacts the ground it can increase the risk of electric shock.

Safety switches

Image courtesy of Energy Safe Victoria

A safety switch (or residual current device) is a safety device used with circuit breakers and fuses in your home to minimise the risk of injury and fires. It monitors electricity flow through a circuit by making sure the flow is even.

Safety switches quickly trip out the power when an electrical problem is detected. They can protect from harmful electric shocks when someone makes contact with a live electrical circuit (such as from faulty electrical leads and appliances) and provides a path to earth. Switches operate within 0.03 seconds.

A safety switch is different to a circuit breaker, which is designed to protect household wiring from power surges.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (doctor)External Link
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Energy Safe VictoriaExternal Link
• Your local council
• Your electricity supply company
• Australian Certification DatabaseExternal Link – to check approved electrical appliances
• Dial Before You DigExternal Link – free online referral service for anyone who is undertaking works to find out where underground pipes, cables and utilities are located
• St John Ambulance Australia (first aid courses)External LinkVictoria Tel. 1300 360 455
• Australian Red Cross (first aid and mental health trainingExternal Link) Tel. 1800 733 276

• Electric shock – first aid fact sheetExternal Link, St John Ambulance, Australia.
• Buying safe electrical appliancesExternal Link, Energy Safe Victoria.
• Using electricity safelyExternal Link, Energy Safe Victoria.

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Major causes of electric shock in the home

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What is forbidden to do with electrical appliances in the home?

1. Damaged appliances. Any electrical receiver has a layer of insulation. It covers the most critical places of the wire even with several layers in order to exclude contact of human skin with the potential of the mains. But, careless handling of electrical wiring, mechanical impact on it, overheating from incorrect loads or loose contacts violate its dielectric properties.

Do not touch the bare metal of a wire that is energized or use switches, sockets and plugs with broken cases. This is a direct prerequisite for electrical injury.

2. Repair work. All faulty electrical equipment must be taken out of service to eliminate breakdowns. And only a trained person can do it. Otherwise, the consequences of unskilled repairs can be unpredictable.

3. Careful handling of equipment. Electrical appliances connected to the network must not be disassembled. Be especially careful with the power cord. It is unacceptable to pull on it in order to move the electric stove, iron or pull the plug out of the socket. In this way, you can easily arrange a short circuit. Power cords are often subjected to twisting, kinking, and stress. heating. Breaks and breaks can occur inside them. They can break good contact, cause sparks, leading to fire.

4. Replacing light bulbs in lamps. Every adult, not to mention children, should know that it is forbidden to repair electrical equipment under voltage. Any operation on electrical receivers must be performed with the power off. Often people get injured when they screw in / turn out ordinary incandescent bulbs. The light switch must always be switched off.

5. Contact with the body of devices connected to voltage. In a two-wire network (phase, zero) operated according to the TN-C system, in the event of an insulation breakdown, a life-threatening potential appears on the case. If a person touches such a device with one part of the body, and with the other part of the building structure connected to the ground, then a current will flow through his body along this path. To prevent such injuries, there are protections that respond to the appearance of leakage currents. A residual current device (RCD) in such wiring will reduce the damaging effect of the current, and in a circuit equipped with a protective PE conductor using the TN-S or TN-C-S systems, it will prevent an accident.

6. Long-term operation of electrical appliances. Modern refrigerators, freezers and some household appliances are designed to perform a continuous technological cycle. They are equipped with automatic control systems for this. Even such devices can break down and need periodic monitoring by the owner. Burnt out electric motors, floors flooded with water, or cases of flooding of neighbors from below are clear evidence of this.

7. Maintenance of electrical wiring protection in good condition. In all residential premises, when commissioning the electrical circuit, introductory shields are installed. They, as a rule, have a built-in electric meter and circuit breakers or fuses. They must be kept in working order. This requirement is especially relevant for old houses in rural areas, where you can still find working, but obsolete electrical panels with an induction meter and two cork fuses. In them, instead of industrial fuse-links, the owners install home-made “bugs” – pieces of randomly selected wires. Often their denominations are overstated: so as not to change once again in case of burnout. It is for this reason that they do not always quickly turn off the resulting short circuit, and in some cases do not work at all.

8. Children. They are always inquisitive, mobile, actively climb into all accessible and even forbidden places. In this way they learn about the world around them, master it. But is it always possible for an adult to keep track of the behavior of the baby, to protect him from falling under the action of the current? How to avoid accidents? Parents need to take into account the age of the child and his development. Children under three years old should be excluded from access to electrical appliances by furniture elements, partitions, fences. Be sure to indicate the restricted areas and suggest that they should not be included there. All contacts of electrical outlets must be closed with dielectric plugs. After all, kids can stick a nail, pin or other piece of metal there.

Electric shock (electrical injury): causes, symptoms and recommendations for the treatment of the disease. Dr. Peter

In case of electric shock, the symptoms depend on the electrical voltage. Factors such as duration of current exposure, current flow, and patient constitution also affect the type and severity of symptoms. An electrical accident is more likely to occur when a person comes into contact with electricity and is injured as a result.

If the victim touches a live object and the ground at the same time, he will be drawn into the chain and receive an electric shock. The current seeks a path through the body (for example, from an arm to a leg or from a right arm to a left arm). The extent of this damage to health depends on several factors.

The intensity of the current flow and the duration of the incident play a decisive role. Electrical injury is especially critical when important parts of the body, such as the heart or brain, have been exposed to electrical current.

Causes

There are many electrical hazards in the household that result from unsafe practices. The causes of electric shock (electrical injury) are the use of faulty devices (for example, lack of insulation on a network cable) and handling cables without special knowledge. Contact with bare wires can result in electric shock.

Young children who play near loose sockets are at great risk. Dangers also lurk in nature: for example, lightning can strike you during a thunderstorm. Particular care should be taken near overhead power lines. If such a line is damaged by a storm or snow, then live wires may fall to the ground. You cannot walk near such wires. You also risk electrocution if you fly a kite under such a power line.

Symptoms of electric shock (electrical injury)

In the case of electric shock, the symptoms depend on the voltage to which the victim has been exposed. Factors such as duration of exposure, current flow, and patient constitution also affect the type and severity of symptoms.

Low voltage accidents, such as those that can occur when blow-drying in the bathroom, cause minor burns or muscle spasms. Prolonged exposure to low voltage can cause death. Usually, cardiac arrest or severe burns occur, leading to cardiac arrest.

High voltage accidents cause severe burns and abnormal heart rhythms. Depending on the severity of the electric shock, ventricular fibrillation or even complete cardiac arrest may occur. In most cases, an accident with high voltage electricity leads to the death of the victim. A lightning strike causes severe burns and damage to muscles, bones, and skin. Vessels and nerves are usually also affected. Due to the high voltage, a lightning strike is almost always fatal.

In addition to the acute symptoms of electrical injury, there may be: cardiac arrhythmias, nervous disorders and neurological deficits. They can occur after a few days, weeks or even months, always depending on the severity of the tension and the therapeutic measures taken.

Electrical shock can lead to various health problems, including death. But it is possible that the victim will suffer an electrical injury without significant injury. Depending on the strength of the current and the duration of the current exposure, the patient develops muscle paralysis of varying degrees.

Convulsions, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest are also possible. If the heart is in current, life-threatening ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest may occur. Burns (electrical traces) occur at the points of entry or exit of current from the body. In the event of an electric shock, the patient sometimes experiences severe convulsions, which can lead to bone fractures.

Possible complications and risks

Complications after electrical injury affect various organ systems. Very often, the current causes consequences in the form of heart rhythm disturbances, which in many cases occur immediately, sometimes with some delay. In addition, as a result of burns, the muscle tissue of the heart can be damaged, which has a long-term effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Damage to the airways, like paralysis of the respiratory center, can lead to life-threatening respiratory arrest. Nervous tissue has low resistance and therefore is often affected by electrical injuries: the consequences can be paralysis, sensory disturbances and impaired coordination. Brain damage manifests itself, among other things, in clouding of consciousness, convulsions, anxiety and memory disorders.

These symptoms may be caused either directly by the action of the current, or as a result of malnutrition of the brain after exposure to the cardiovascular system. Involuntary muscle spasms can cause muscle and tendon ruptures and bone fractures. In severe cases, exposure to current can lead to the destruction of muscle fibers (myolysis).

Other complications after electrical injury include skin burns with blistering and subsequent scarring, as well as impaired kidney function and even kidney failure. Damage to blood vessels is also possible, which can lead to thrombosis and embolism. Blood poisoning, which can occur as a result of a bacterial infection or a burn of body tissues, is life-threatening.

Diagnosis

Mild electric shock usually does not require a doctor. The injured person needs some time to recover and rest in order to move away from the defeat. Usually there is internal irritability, short-term tachycardia and arousal, which slowly disappear within a few minutes. If there are no further complaints or inconveniences, medical attention is not required.

In case of severe electric shock, seek medical attention. In the presence of burns, pain or cramps in the muscles, additional examinations are necessary to determine the degree of damage to the body, in order to then draw up an individual treatment plan. In case of violations of the circulatory system, cardiac activity or shortness of breath, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In case of loss of consciousness, extensive body injuries or severe pain, call the emergency service.

How to treat electric shock (electrical injury)

First aid measures must be taken before the emergency doctor arrives. Since a strong electric shock in severe cases leads to premature death of the victim, it becomes necessary to take immediate measures in the event of nervous disorders, diffuse disorders of various body functions, bone injuries or cardiac arrest. Intensive medical care is necessary to ensure the life of the victim.

If a patient has suffered an electric shock, the first aid provider must take protective measures to avoid exposing himself to danger. Before touching the victim, you must disconnect your body from the power source.

If there is a live cable nearby, use a non-conductive object (such as a wooden broom) to remove it. If the patient is unconscious, first aid measures (cardiac massage, artificial respiration) should be started immediately.

If the victim is conscious, treat burns resulting from an electrical accident. If the injuries are minor and the victim has no other complaints, you should still go to the hospital. They’ll do an EKG there. Heart rhythm disturbances sometimes occur several hours after an electrical injury. The severity of the electrical shock determines the need for subsequent treatment steps. If the burns are severe, toxins can enter the body due to tissue necrosis.

Prevention

To avoid electric shock in your home, you should follow some safety precautions.