The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Electrical Injury — Emergency Approach

High and low voltage electrical injuries can cause cardiac arrhythmia, deep tissue burns and rhabdomyolysis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Electrical Injury — Emergency Approach?

Electrical injury is the result of electric current flowing through the body, causing tissue damage by direct ionic disruption and conversion to heat.

High voltage (>1000 V) injuries cause deeper tissue damage and are more likely to result in cardiac arrest, while low voltage (<1000 V) injuries are most often associated with ventricular fibrillation.

DC injuries throw the patient off; AC injuries cause tetanic muscle contraction and prolong contact. Lightning strike causes a different injury pattern.

Symptoms

Entry and exit burn marks
Deep tissue burn (out of proportion to the surface)
Cardiac arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, VF)
Loss of consciousness and convulsions
Muscle stiffness and tetanic contraction
Compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis
Falling-related fractures and head trauma

Risk Factors

Working in the construction or electrical industry
Domestic electrical accidents (children)
Lightning strikes
Working with high-voltage power lines
Wet skin and direct ground contact
Lack of safety equipment use
Electrocution attempts (suicide)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Call 112 immediately for any high-voltage injury
  • Even superficial low-voltage injuries with abnormal ECG must be admitted to hospital
  • Hospital evaluation is needed for loss of consciousness or muscle pain
  • ECG and CPK measurement may be sufficient for asymptomatic low-voltage cases

Treatment Methods

01
Cutting off the power source and ensuring scene safety
02
ABC stabilisation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
03
Continuous ECG monitoring and arrhythmia treatment
04
IV fluid resuscitation and urine output monitoring (target 1–2 mL/kg/h)
05
Sodium bicarbonate and mannitol for rhabdomyolysis
06
Burn wound care and prevention of compartment syndrome (fasciotomy)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.