Electrical contact can cause burns and injuries inside the body. A small mark on the skin does not necessarily show how serious the injury is.
How electrical injuries happen
An injury can occur when electric current passes through the body. Exposed conductors, damaged equipment and contact with power lines are examples of electrical hazards. An electric shock can also lead to a fall or other injury.
Possible effects
Electrical injury can affect the heart, muscles and nerves as well as cause burns. The outcome depends on factors including the current's path through the body, the length of contact and the characteristics of the electrical source. The visible injury alone cannot establish what is happening inside the body.
Getting emergency help
Call your local emergency number for an electrical injury and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Keep clear of an energized source and do not touch a person who is still in contact with electricity. High-voltage incidents require the responsible utility or emergency personnel to make the power source safe.
Medical assessment is important even when a burn appears minor. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use require appropriate training; follow the emergency dispatcher’s guidance.
Preventing contact
Electrical work requires suitable equipment, planning and qualified personnel. Safeguards depend on the system, the task and the applicable requirements. Never assume that a conductor or piece of equipment is safe merely because it appears inactive.