How to Treat an Electrical Burn

Electrical burns occur when an electric current courses through the body. This may result in unseen internal burns, as well as burns on the surface of the skin. Knowing how to react when someone is injured by an electrical burn can mean the difference between life and death, as shock and heart failure often follow an electrical burn.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile bandage
• Water
• Non-conducting object
• Telephone
• CPR training

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Instructions

Treat a Serious Electrical Burn

• 1

  Turn the power off to the source of the electrical burn to prevent further electrocution from occurring.

• 2

  Unplug the electrical source that has caused the burn if you cannot disconnect the power. Do so safely by using a non-conducting material, such as wood, plastic, rubber or cardboard. For example, a dry, wooden broom handle may be used to dislodge the plug from the outlet.

• 3

  Avoid touching the burn victim with your hands until you have turned off the electrical source, as you may be burned through contact.

• 4

  Call 9-1-1 immediately to request assistance.

• 5

  Monitor the victim's vital signs while medical assistance is in transit. Check his pulse and breathing, and if none is detected, perform CPR and rescue breathing.

• 6

  Prevent the victim from going into shock by placing his head lower than his torso and elevating his legs. If the victim is conscious, use reassuring words to help keep him calm until emergency medical technicians arrive.

Treat a Minor Electrical Burn

• 7

  Treat a less serious electrical burn by rinsing the affected areas with water. Most electrical burns appear on the surface of the skin where the electrical current entered and left the body.

• 8

  Cover the burned area with a dry, sterile gauze pad or dressing. You will need to change the dressing on a daily basis until the burn is healed.

• 9

  Change the bandage if it becomes wet. The bandage should be clean and dry at all times, helping to reduce the risk of infection.

• 10

  Seek additional medical assistance to treat other injuries if they occur as a result of an electrical burn. With an electric shock, you may be thrown or caused to fall, sustaining bone fractures or head injuries in the process. Even if you don't notice injuries, it is best to seek medical attention after sustaining an electrical burn.