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How to Rescue a Victim From Electrical Burns

Electrical injuries can occur when people are careless and do not follow safety precautions and procedures. Old electric cables or loose electrical outlets can cause electric sparks and increase the potential for setting a deadly fire that can result in burn injuries and even death.

Burns are classified into two types: the ARC burn and the electrical injury. The former type is caused by the electrical current jumping from one area of the body to another. The latter type is a result of electrical current passing through the body. These are more severe injuries, since they cause internal organ damage as well as external injuries to the body.

Here I will offer tips to help rescue someone from an electrical burn.

Things You'll Need

  • CPR
  • Cotton gauze
  • Warm blankets or clothing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Be very careful to not expose yourself to the electrical current as you are attempting to rescue someone from an electrical injury. Turn off all electric power sources. Switch off circuit breakers, fuse boxes and pull out all electrical appliances from wall sockets. For added protection, wear nonconductive electrical gloves and clothing.

    • 2

      In situations where electrical injuries involve high-voltage electrical currents (power lines, for example), you should assess carefully before you rush up to the victim. Immediately call 911 and the power company. In these circumstance the risks of exposing yourself to the electrical current is very high, so you must stay at least 25 feet away from the victim until the situation has been deemed safe from a power company official and law enforcement agency.

    • 3

      Once the you have assessed that it is safe to approach the victim, immediately administer life support (CPR). Check to see if the victim is breathing. Check the airways, breathing and circulation of the victim.

    • 4

      If there are any extensive burns to the body and the skin surface, apply first aid by cleaning the wounds carefully with clean cotton gauze. Do not use fabric that has loose fibers on the surface, as this will adhere to the open wound. Do not apply any creams or ointment to the burns. Depending on the degree of the burn, the treatment varies. Severe burns to the skin will cause large, painful blisters to form. Immediately take the victim to the ER for medical attention. Sometimes with electrical burns there are hidden internal injuries and internal bleeding that will not show up until certain tests or scans are performed at the hospital.

    • 5

      Lay the victim on the ground with the legs elevated to reduce the risk of shock. This position will increase the flow of blood to the heart and brain. Be careful not to move the neck in case there is a spinal injury present.

    • 6

      Cover the victim up with warm blankets or clothing until the paramedic or EMS arrives.

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