Electrical Injuries: First Aid, Risks, and Emergency Response in Canada

An electrical injury occurs when an electrical current passes through the body, disrupting normal organ function and often causing burns to the skin and deeper tissues. In Canada, these injuries most commonly happen in homes, workplaces, construction sites, and during outdoor activities, particularly where electrical safety standards are not followed or equipment is damaged.

Electrical injuries can result from:

• Faulty or damaged household appliances

• Unintentional contact with exposed wires or power tools

• Workplace or construction-related electrical hazards

• Contact with overhead or underground power lines

While minor shocks from household outlets are often not serious, exposure to high voltage is responsible for serious injuries and deaths in Canada every year.

What Determines the Severity of an Electrical Injury?

The seriousness of an electrical injury depends on several factors:

• Intensity (voltage) of the current

• Type of current (alternating vs. direct current)

• Length of exposure

• Pathway of the current through the body

• Resistance of body tissues

If muscle damage is extensive, severe swelling can occur. This swelling may compress nearby arteries, cutting off blood supply to a limb and creating a medical emergency.

Indications and Symptoms of Electrical Injuries

Electrical injuries may appear mild on the surface while causing significant internal damage.

Common and serious signs include:

• Skin burns at entry and exit points (not always present)

• Deep internal burns, especially with high-voltage exposure

• Significant swelling of a limb due to muscle injury

• Abnormal heart rhythms, which can be life-threatening

• Muscle pain, spasms, or violent contractions

• Fractures or dislocations caused by powerful muscle contractions or falls

Additional complications may include:

• Kidney damage due to myoglobin release from injured muscles

• Cataract formation if current passes near the eyes (can appear days or years later)

• Nervous system damage, leading to seizures, memory problems, personality changes, chronic pain, numbness, or paralysis

• In young children, burns to the lips or mouth from chewing electrical cords, potentially causing long-term facial or dental growth issues

Immediate First Aid for Electrical Injuries (Canada)

⚠️ Your safety comes first. Never become a second victim.

1. Do NOT touch the person until the electrical source is turned off.

2. Shut off power by:

   • Turning off the breaker or switch

   • Unplugging the device (if safe to do so)

3. If high-voltage lines are involved, stay back and call 911 immediately.

4. Once the scene is safe:

   • Check breathing and pulse

   • If absent, begin CPR immediately

   • Use an AED if available

Call emergency services for any injury beyond a very minor shock, especially if there are burns, chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness, or heart rhythm concerns.

Why Electrical Injuries Matter in First Aid Training

Electrical injuries are specifically covered in Canadian first aid and CPR courses because of their hidden dangers. First aiders are trained to:

• Make scenes safe before helping

• Recognize life-threatening complications

• Perform CPR and use an AED when required

• Provide early care until EMS arrives

Canadian Safety Note / Disclaimer

Educational Information Only (Canada):
This content is intended for general education and first aid awareness. It does not replace professional medical care. Electrical injuries can cause serious internal damage even when external burns are minimal. Always seek emergency medical attention after significant electrical exposure. Proper assessment, CPR, and emergency response skills should be learned through certified Canadian first aid and CPR training programs.