Electric Shock: First Aid Treatment, Burn Risks, and When to Seek Medical Care
An electric shock occurs when an individual is exposed to an electrical current. The severity can range from mild with no symptoms to life-threatening injuries involving burns, cardiac arrest, or internal organ damage.
A mild, low-voltage shock that causes no pain, burns, or symptoms may not require medical care. However, any high-voltage exposure, lightning strike, electrical burn, or shock accompanied by pain or symptoms must be assessed by a doctor immediately.
Self-Care at Home
A brief exposure to low-voltage electricity that does not result in pain, burns, or other symptoms usually does not require medical attention.
⚠️ Call emergency services immediately if:
- The shock involved high voltage
- There are visible burns
- The individual was struck by lightning
- The person is unconscious, confused, or in pain
- A child sustains an electrical burn, especially from biting a power cord
Medical Care for Electric Shock
Treatment depends on the type and severity of injuries sustained.
Burn care:
- Minor burns may be treated with topical antibiotics and dressings
- Severe burns often require surgical wound cleaning
- Extensive injuries may need skin grafting
- Severe limb damage can require surgery or, in rare cases, amputation
Other injuries may include:
- Fractures from muscle contractions or falls (managed with splints, casts, or surgery)
- Eye injuries requiring specialist care
- Internal organ damage, requiring monitoring or surgical intervention
Prognosis
The outcome after an electric shock depends largely on:
- Voltage level
- Duration of exposure
- Extent of burns
- Percentage of body surface affected
Individuals who do not experience cardiac arrest and have no severe burns generally have a good chance of survival.
⚠️ Infection is a leading cause of death in hospitalized electrical injury patients.
Neurological involvement may result in seizures, anxiety, depression, or personality changes if the brain is affected.
Important First Aid & Training Notice
This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Electrical injuries can cause hidden internal damage even when external injuries appear minor.
Learning how to respond safely to electrical emergencies is an essential part of first aid and CPR training in Canada. St. Mark James Training, Canada’s largest 100% Canadian-owned and operated first aid and CPR company, covers electrical shock response and burn management in its Standard First Aid certification programs.