Electrical Burns First Aid

The first thing you need to do when you encounter a person with an electrical burn is not to touch them. If they are still connected to the power source, you could also wind up a victim. Assess the situation immediately, and disconnect any appliances or turn the power off at the main power supply. If you can't do this, take something non conductive, like a broom handle to get them away from the source. Call 911 right away, even if you have to start first aid treatment yourself. Once you have removed them from the source, make them lay down, unless you fear there has been any neck or spinal injuries. They may also have other injuries, especially if the shock was severe enough to throw them from the source, or because of involuntary muscle spasm. Check carefully for any breaks, dislocations, or possibly other injury.

First aid for electric burns depends on the severity of the burn. Check the body for burn areas, in some cases, the electricity burns in two spots, one when the energy first came into contact with the victim, and an exit wound. You may not think the burn is that severe on the outside, but there may be damage to internal organs, or other areas you can't see. Check if the person is in shock, cold clammy, pale skin, rapid pulse, or has a chill, if these signs are present, get them medical attention right away.

When treating an electric burn, do not put any kind of grease or oil on the burn, even Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera, while being able to help with a lot of different burns, only use it on an electrical burn if instructed by a doctor. Cover the burn with a sterile dressing and don't cool the burn if severe, but if it is a mild burn, first or light second degree burns can be run under cool water. You should change the dressing every day, and any time it becomes wet. Your bandages should be sterile to prevent infection, and you should always wash your hands before treating any burns, regardless of what kind they are.

When the electrical burn stops hurting, and looks like it is on the mend, then you can apply a little Aloe Vera on it, to promote healing. The most important tip when dealing with an electric burn of any kind is to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible, and if really severe, call an ambulance. It may be a good idea to contact emergency services anyway, because they are far better qualified to deal with this kind of injury than you are. Top