What Are the Treatments for Electric Shocks?

Electric shock occurs when the body comes in contact with any electrical voltage source high enough to cause injury and even death. An exposure to an electrical current of 500 volts or higher can potentially cause serious damage. Electric shock may result in cardiac arrest, seizure, respiratory paralysis, unconsciousness, arrhythmia, muscle pain, burn and death. The kind of treatment varies with the kind of injury sustained by the victim.

Immediate Assessment

• The initial step to take, when giving first aid treatment to an electrocuted person, includes checking for airway, breathing and circulation. Check for signs of breathing, coughing and movement with stimulation. In the absence of breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be given immediately, with constant monitoring of vital signs.

Initial Treatment

• Shock requires immediate medical care. Initial treatment involves placing the victim in a comfortable position and whenever possible positioning the victim with the legs elevated to prevent a drop in blood pressure. However, it is important to be careful not to move the victim if you suspect the presence of injuries to the head, back or neck. Loosen any tight clothing and belt to improve circulation. A half-sitting position is ideal in the event that the person vomits while a side lying position will also help to avoid choking. It is also important to keep the person warm.

Advanced Medical Treatment

• Emergency treatment for electric shock includes life support equipment in severe cases, such as a defibrillator in the presence of cardiac arrest. An electrocardiogram is used to monitor the victim's cardiac rhythm. Internal damage is often less obvious, with internal tissue destruction more severe than what is seen externally. Measures taken usually involve the administration of an intravenous solution and insertion of a urinary catheter. Monitoring of urine output is essential for laboratory testing to determine the presence of proteins indicative of renal dysfunction. To prevent renal shutdown, medications such as mannitol and furosemide are given.

Treatment for Burns

• Treatment for burns will vary according to the severity of the condition. Topical antibiotics in the form of cream or ointment will suffice in treating minor burns. Severe burns may require surgical intervention to remove necrotic skin or skin grafting. In some cases, amputation may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body with severe burn injuries.

Wound Care

• Wound care is an essential treatment with electric shock as electrothermal burns will leave a wound on contact points. Significant tissue damage may result which may involve tissue death and bleeding. Antiseptic and pain killers are often prescribed to control infection and discomfort.