What is an electric shock or burn?

Electric shocks are caused by contact with live electricity that sends an electric current through your body. An electric shock can cause a burn. The burn might be where the electricity entered or exited your body.

Sometimes an electric shock only causes a fright and some pain. But sometimes it can be severe enough to knock you unconscious (make you pass out) and stop your heart. The severity depends on the voltage, the type of current and whether the current impacts your heart.

What are the symptoms of an electric shock or burn?

Most electric shocks do not cause an injury to your body.

The signs and symptoms of an electric shock depend on how strong the current was, how long the contact with electricity lasted and your overall health.

Symptoms of an electric shock can be:

• skin or tissue burns — most likely where the electricity went in or out
• difficulty breathing or not breathing
• a weak, fast or unsteady pulse (heartbeat) or no pulse at all
• low blood pressure
• cardiac arrest (heart stops beating)
• loss of consciousness, confusion or difficulty with movement
• broken bones or muscle pain

Some injuries from an electric shock are not visible (you can't see them).

When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?

An electric shock can be life-threatening. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if someone has had an electric shock and:

• lost consciousness (passed out) even for a second
• they are breathing very fast or very slow
• their heartbeat is very fast, or very slow, or irregular
• have fallen from above the ground

If the shock seemed mild and did not result in one of the problems listed above, you should still see a doctor. It's important to get your heart checked after any electric shock.

Even if you cannot see a physical injury, an electric shock might have caused damage inside your body.

What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?

If someone near you receives an electric shock, do not put yourself in danger. Follow these steps to stay safe:

• Look first, don't touch — the person may still be in contact with the electric current and if you touch them, you can get an electric shock.
• Switch off the electricity at the mains, remove fuses, turn off all power points and unplug cords before approaching the person.
• If you can't turn off the electricity, use something like a dry wooden broom handle, to separate the person from the electricity source.
• If the person who got the electric shock is in contact with water, take extra care before you touch them. Water conducts (carries) electricity.
• If there is a power line down, stay at least 6 metres away. Do not try to remove a live power cable yourself. Ask the person not to move.

First aid for an electric shock or burn

When it is safe, check if the person is conscious and breathing. Check if they are responsive by touching their arm or shoulder and talking to them. If they do not respond, make sure an ambulance has been called. If they are not breathing normally, you should start CPR.

If there is an electrical burn, you can treat it in the same way as you would any other burn.

Put the burnt area under running water for at least 20 minutes. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage, if available. You can also use a clean smooth material, such as cling wrap, to cover a burn.

What causes electric shocks or burns?

Causes include:

• exposed electrical wires
• water on electrical appliances
• cutting through a live cable
• old wiring
• faulty appliances
• fires that start due to electrical sparks

You have a greater chance of an electric shock when you are using an appliance:

• outdoors
• somewhere wet
• in a cramped space
• with an extension lead

Young children can be at risk of electric shocks. They are more likely to play with or chew on electrical cords. Children sometimes insert objects into household electrical outlets.

Electric shocks are rarely caused by lightning.

An electric shock can damage your:

• nerves
• heart
• breathing
• blood vessels
• kidneys

How are electric shocks or burns treated?

In the hospital emergency department, doctors will run tests to check what kind of injuries and damage you have.

Most people with an electric shock or burn will be able to go home. You may need pain relief medicines. Others will need to be treated in hospital.

Hospital treatment can include:

• monitoring and treatment for heart rhythm changes
• burn care
• fluids through a drip
• setting broken bones
• care of head injuries and nervous system damage

What are the complications of electric shocks or burns?

If you have had an electric shock, you should visit the emergency department or see a doctor as soon as possible to check for ongoing effects.

An electric shock may make you stop breathing. If you stop breathing your body will not have enough oxygen. This can lead to organ damage.

If the electric shock made you fall, you may have a fracture (broken bone).

Another complication of an electrical injury is infection. Infections can stop an electrical burn from healing properly.

An electric shock can damage your brain or nervous system. If that happens you might get seizures, depression, anxiety or personality changes.

Damage to your blood vessels or kidneys can also lead to serious complications.

Up to 4 in every 10 people who are struck by lightning die from their injuries.

Can electric shocks or burns be prevented?

Make sure young children are supervised near electricity.

You can keep your home safe by installing safety switches and having them tested regularly. Make sure you get any damaged power points or switches repaired.

Always use a licensed electrician for electrical work.

Avoid overloading your power sockets.

Never use a power tool, appliance or electric lead that you know is faulty or has a frayed cord. Avoid using electrical appliances in wet areas or near pools.

At work, make sure all electrical equipment is regularly inspected, tested and tagged. For more information, visit Safe Work Australia.

If you are unsure that electrical equipment is safe, have it checked before you use it.

Learn how to stay safe from lightning during a storm.

Resources and support

Go to the St John Ambulance website for more information about the first aid management of electric shocks.

Information about prevention of electric shocks in the home is available from the Electrical Safety Office Queensland.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.