Emergencies and Response Plans > Medical Emergencies

All Electrical Burns Are Considered Medical Emergencies. First Aid Treatment MUST Be Provided As Soon As Possible.

Minimum Required Supplies For This Type Of Injury/Incident:

•Sask. #1 first aid kit

•Facial burn dressing

•Fire Extinguisher

Electrical burns may occur as a result of low or high voltage electricity. There are two dangers associated with electrical burns. First, the amount of tissue injury under the skin is usually far more extensive than what is expected from the appearance of the skin wound. Severe damage may occur to the deeper tissues in the body. Second, the electrical burn may be accompanied by cardiac arrest.

An electrical burn usually occurs when the body, acting as a conductor, completes a circuit connecting the power source with the ground.

Electric energy is capable of producing serious tissue injury. In order to cause a burn, the electricity must enter the body at one point and exit at another point. There is always a wound (burn) found at the point of entry and exit.

Entrance wounds may be small, but exit wounds may be extensive and deep. High voltage electrical energy may destroy muscles and skin to such an extent that amputation may become necessary. The high voltage electrical current may cause violent muscle contractions, which could result in a fracture or dislocation. This current may also disrupt the normal electrical rhythm of the heart and cause cardiac arrest.

Caution must be taken before approaching any casualty. Ensure the power has been shut off or isolated. Assess the scene, and ensure all hazards have been controlled prior to giving assistance.

REMEMBER: Water, most metals, and the human body are excellent electrical conductors.

Treatment for Electrical Shock / Burns

•Start with the highest priorities, including removing the electrical hazard.

•Administer first aid, ensure the persons ABC's are present. Electricity and lightning may affect the heart, so monitor the ABC's closely.

•Perform a secondary survey and treat any non life threatening conditions:

•Treat the person as if he or she might have a head and/or spine injury.

•Look for two burns, the entry and exit points. They will be open wounds that may need to be treated.

•Treatment for electrical burns will depend on the level of the burn, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree. Follow directions in the Burns ERP.

•Provide continual care until EMS personnel arrive.

•Transportation of these casualties to the hospital must be immediate.

•All electrical burns must be reported to Power Tech Management and the OHS Division as per Regulation 9 Dangerous Occurrences.

•Fill out a Power Tech incident report form.