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

+90 850 321 50 00

High-Voltage Electrical Injury

Deep tissue damage, cardiac arrhythmia and compartment syndrome.

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 High-Voltage Electrical Injury?

High-voltage electrical injuries usually result from sources above 1000 V and are an important cause of work-related injuries, train and metro events and contact with overhead lines.

As current passes through the body it produces burns at entry and exit points, deep muscle injury, bone burns and vascular thrombosis. Even when visible skin damage is mild, compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury are common.

Cardiac monitoring for at least 24 hours is recommended because of arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation, asystole and QT prolongation.

Symptoms

Entry and exit burns
Deep tissue pain and muscle cramps
Dark urine reflecting myoglobinuria
Palpitations and syncope
Altered mental status
Fractures and dislocations from tetanic contraction

Risk Factors

Power line work
Iron, steel and construction industries
Traffic accidents involving utility poles
Transformer and switching station incidents
Poor occupational safety standards
Children playing near transformers

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • Call emergency services immediately for high-voltage exposure
  • Do not approach the victim before the scene is secured
  • Transfer to a hospital with a burn centre when possible
  • Monitor for myoglobinuria and renal function

Treatment Methods

01
Do not touch the patient until the scene is safe
02
Early fluid resuscitation following a rhabdomyolysis protocol
03
Cardiac monitoring and arrhythmia management
04
Assessment for fasciotomy in compartment syndrome
05
Wound care and tetanus prophylaxis
06
Coordinated care with orthopaedics, burns and nephrology

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.