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Key Points
- Electric shocks, which can be life-threatening, occur when a person comes into contact with a live electrical source.
- The severity of the shock depends on the voltage of the source and can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, weak pulse, burns, and even cardiac arrest.
- If someone is electrocuted, it's important not to touch them if they're still in contact with the electrical source. Instead, cut off the power or separate the person from the source using a non-conductive material.
- Medical treatment for electric shocks can range from tests to check the heart and soft tissues, to surgery or skin grafting in severe cases.
- Prevention is crucial, so electrical safety should always be prioritized. Minor to moderate electrical burns can be treated at urgent care clinics.
Warning: An electric shock can cause life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cardiac arrest, and even be fatal according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Call 911 if you or someone you know has sustained an electric shock and is unconscious or having an irregular heartbeat.
An electric shock (also known as an electrocution) can be life-threatening depending on factors like the strength and type of electric current. But if you get an electric shock from low voltage, you can usually take care of yourself at home. Although there are some things you should be aware of—like the symptoms of electrocution and when to see a doctor.
What is an Electric Shock or Electrical Burn?
An electric shock happens when you come into contact with a live source of electricity. This is sometimes called an electrocution. The severity of an electric shock depends on if it is a high voltage or low voltage electrical source. An electrical burn is an injury resulting from an electric shock. If the voltage is high enough, skin and other tissues around the shock can be charred. Additionally, high voltage electric shock injury can cause nerve damage, heart arrhythmias, and even be fatal.
What Causes Electric Shocks?
Electrical shock occurs when you come into contact with a live source of electricity—some of the most common electrical hazards are:
- Exposed electrical wires
- Electrical appliances that become wet or surrounded by water
- Cutting through a live cable during yard work or home renovations
- Old wiring that becomes faulty
- Faulty appliances
- Downed power lines
- Lightning
Electric Shock: What to do
An electrical shock can be a serious injury. Here is exactly what to do if you or someone you know is electrocuted according to the ACEP.
- Do not touch the person who was electrocuted. If they’re still in contact with the electrical source you are at risk of electrocution. If you are in an area that is wet or surrounded by water, use extreme caution not to touch the water.
- Turn off the source of electricity. You can do this by unplugging the machine or appliance or switching off the electricity at the fuse box.
- If you are unable to turn off the power source, use a material that does not conduct electricity to separate the electrocuted person from the electrical source. A wooden broom handle is a good choice.
- Once the victim is free from the electrical source, call 911 and assess them for first-aid treatment (check to see if they are conscious, breathing, and have a heartbeat).
- If they have stopped breathing, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). According to the American Heart Association, you can perform hands-only CPR by positioning your hands (one on top of the other) in the center of the chest. Push hard and fast for around 100 compressions per minute (follow the beat of the song “Staying Alive”).
- If the electrocuted person is awake and breathing, the ACEP notes that you can start first aid treatment for any electrical burn by applying cool moist dressings to the burned area.
What are the Symptoms of an Electric Shock?
The symptoms of electric shock can vary, depending on the amount of electric current you come in contact with, according to the ACEP. They list the following as symptoms of a severe electric shock that needs medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing or no breathing at all
- A weak or erratic pulse or no pulse at all
- Burns to the body
- Muscle contractions or pain (due to muscle or nerve damage)
- Loss of consciousness (even if only briefly)
- Cardiac arrest (no pulse)
When should I call an Ambulance or go to the Emergency Department?
The ACEP recommends that you call 911 if you or someone you know has any of the following symptoms:
- Burned or charred skin
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart arrhythmia (a heart rate that is slow, fast, or irregular)
- Cardiac arrest
- Muscle pain or contractions
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness (even if only briefly)
Medical Treatment for An Electric Shock
When you seek medical treatment for an electric shock, the ACEP notes that you can expect your healthcare provider to run tests to check your heart and the soft tissues around the burn site. They also note that most electric shock patients can go home unless there is serious damage to the heart or serious burns.
Burn care for minor burns usually includes topical antibiotic ointment and sterile dressings, according to the ACEP. More severe burns may require surgery and skin grafting. In rare cases, electrical burns may result in amputation of a digit or limb, according to the ACEP.
Electric shock can also cause injuries to the bones, organs, and eyes, according to the ACEP. Surgery or casts may be necessary to repair broken bones or damaged organs.
The best treatment for electrocution is prevention. Electrical safety is important whenever you are dealing with electricity, electrical cords, or electrical appliances.
Find an Urgent Care Near Me
Mild and moderate electrical burns and electrical shocks can be treated at an urgent care clinic. You can find your nearest urgent care clinic using Solv.
Frequently asked questions
What to do after a mild electric shock on hand?
If you briefly touch a low voltage electrical current, you may not have any symptoms of electric shock other than the initial zap. If this is the case, the ACEP notes that you can monitor yourself for symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor (such as an irregular heartbeat, confusion, muscle pain, or difficulty breathing).
Will I be OK after a small electric shock?
Brief low-voltage shocks that do not result in any symptoms or burns of the skin do not require care, according to the ACEP. If this has happened to you, you should be fine.
Should I go to the ER after an electric shock?
The ACEP recommends that you should go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms after an electric shock:
- Burned or charred skin
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart rate that is slow, fast, or irregular
- Cardiac arrest
- Muscle pain or contractions
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness (even if only briefly)
WebMD also notes that pregnant women should be evaluated by a doctor, even if they only have a brief, low voltage electric shock.
What happens when your hand gets an electric shock?
Brief low-voltage shocks that do not result in any symptoms or burns of the skin do not require care, according to the ACEP. They also note that if you experience severe pain, burning, or muscle contractions in your hand, you should seek medical attention right away. These symptoms could be a sign of serious muscle or nerve damage.
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