First Aid for an Electrical Burn
Electrical burns are among the most serious types of injuries because they can damage deep tissues beneath the skin—even if the surface burn looks minor. Whether the shock comes from a power tool, household outlet, or lightning strike, it’s important to respond quickly and appropriately.
Electrical burns may affect not only the skin but also vital systems such as the heart, brain, muscles, and nerves. This guide explains what electrical burns are, how to provide safe first aid, when to seek emergency help, and how to avoid further danger.
What Are Electrical Burn Injuries?
Electrical burns occur when electric current passes through the body, creating heat that damages skin, muscles, and organs. These injuries may result from:
- Contact with exposed wires or electrical outlets.
- Accidents involving faulty appliances or tools.
- High-voltage transmission lines or lightning strikes.
- Occupational hazards in construction or industrial settings.
The severity of injury depends on the voltage, current type (AC or DC), duration of contact, and the path the electricity travels through the body.
Common Types of Electrical Burns
| Burn Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Thermal Burns | Caused by heat from electrical sources, often affecting the skin or clothing. |
| Arc-Blasts | Injuries from electrical explosions or flashes of energy; may cause blunt trauma. |
| Flash Burns | Surface damage from short electrical arcs; usually first- or second-degree. |
| True Electrical Burns | Result from current passing through the body, damaging deep tissues. |
| Burn Blisters | Raised skin lesions from mild to moderate burns, may appear later. |
Even a small-looking external burn can hide severe internal damage. That’s why all electrical injuries—even seemingly mild ones—require professional evaluation.
Signs That Call for Immediate Emergency Help
If someone suffers an electrical injury, you should call emergency services immediately if the injury involves:
- High-voltage equipment or power lines
- Lightning strikes
- Electrical contact near water
Emergency Symptoms to Watch For
| Symptom | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Large, deep, or charred burns | Call emergency help |
| Loss of consciousness or fainting | Call emergency help |
| Difficulty breathing or choking | Call emergency help |
| Confusion, disorientation, or drowsiness | Call emergency help |
| Muscle pain, spasms, or jerking | Call emergency help |
| Seizures | Call emergency help |
| No breathing or heartbeat | Start CPR and call emergency help |
| Uneven or very fast heartbeat | Call emergency help |
In babies and children, emergency signs may include poor responsiveness, pale or bluish skin, and refusal to eat or move.
Basic Steps to Care for Electrical Burns
Safety is the first priority. Never touch a person who is still in contact with an electrical source. Take these steps once it’s safe to approach:
For All Electrical Injuries
- Turn off the power source, if possible. Unplug the appliance or shut off the circuit breaker.
- Use a non-conductive object (like wood, cardboard, or plastic) to separate the person from the electrical source if the current is still active.
- Do not use metal tools or touch the person directly with bare hands while the electricity is still flowing.
- Call emergency services if the person has a serious injury or is unconscious.
If the Person Is Responsive
- Place a cool, damp cloth on small, superficial burns.
- Gently clean the affected area with water if no deeper damage is suspected.
- Cover with a clean, dry bandage or sterile gauze.
- Keep the person calm and still to prevent shock.
- Elevate the affected area, if possible and not painful.
If the Person Is Unresponsive
- Check for breathing and a pulse.
- If absent, begin CPR if trained.
- Cover burns with dry gauze or a clean cloth—do not use fluffy materials like towels or blankets, which may stick to the wound.
- Monitor the person until help arrives.
Never ignore any electrical burn—even a small one may cause heart rhythm changes, internal bleeding, or delayed complications.
Different Burn Degrees and What They Mean
| Burn Degree | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree | Redness, mild pain, no blisters | Cool compress, clean, cover |
| Second-Degree | Blisters, swelling, intense pain | Medical evaluation often needed |
| Third-Degree | White, charred, numb skin | Call emergency help, do not self-treat |
| Fourth-Degree | Extends to muscles or bones | Requires hospital care, potential surgery |
Third- and fourth-degree burns can result from electrical contact even when surface damage appears minimal.
What Not to Do
In electrical burn situations, certain actions can make the injury worse or place you at risk.
Do Not
- Touch the person if the electricity is still flowing.
- Use water to put out an electrical fire (use a Class C fire extinguisher).
- Remove clothing stuck to the burn.
- Apply ice, ointment, or butter to severe burns.
- Pop blisters or clean deep wounds yourself.
- Move the person unless in immediate danger (fire, falling wires).
- Cover wounds with fluffy fabric or adhesive materials.
Electrical Safety Tips to Prevent Burns
Preventing electrical injuries starts with good habits and awareness.
| Situation | Safety Tip |
|---|---|
| At home | Don’t overload outlets; use outlet covers with children. |
| In the kitchen or bathroom | Keep appliances away from water. |
| While working outdoors | Stay away from power lines; call utility services before digging. |
| During storms | Stay indoors and away from windows during lightning. |
| At work (construction, factories) | Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including insulated gloves and boots. |
If you see a downed power line:
- Stay at least 50 feet (15 meters) away
- Call emergency services
- Do not touch fences, water, or objects near the wire
If a live wire lands on your car:
- Stay inside
- Do not touch metal or open the door
- Call 911 and wait for help
When to See a Doctor After an Electrical Burn
Even if you feel fine after an electrical shock or minor burn, it’s still important to see a healthcare provider. Some injuries, including internal organ or nerve damage, may not be immediately visible.
Contact a Doctor If:
- You experienced any electric shock.
- You have pain, numbness, or tingling after the event.
- The burn area continues to swell or worsen.
- You notice blisters, charred skin, or loss of feeling.
- You develop muscle pain, fatigue, or confusion later on.
A healthcare provider may order blood tests, ECG monitoring, or imaging to check for hidden damage.
Summary: Electrical Burn First Aid
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Ensure scene safety | Turn off power, keep bystanders back |
| Separate victim safely | Use non-conductive object only |
| Call for help | Any electrical injury needs medical evaluation |
| Check breathing | Begin CPR if needed |
| Treat visible burns | Cool cloth for minor burns; cover with dry bandage |
| Monitor condition | Look for signs of shock, trouble breathing, or irregular heartbeat |
