How various levels of electric shocks affect the body and how to recover

When an electric current touches or flows through the body, this is known as an electric shock. It can happen wherever there is live electricity. The effects of an electric shock range from none at all to severe injury and death. Electrical currents cause Source main types of injuries: Flash: A flash injury typically causes superficial burns. These occur due to the heat of an arc flash, which is a type of electrical explosion. The current does not penetrate the skin. Flame: These injuries occur when an arc flash causes a person’s clothes to ignite. The current may or may not pass through the skin. Lightning: These involve short but high voltage electrical energy. The current flows through a person’s body. True: The person becomes part of the circuit, and the electricity enters and exits the body. The symptoms of electric shock depend on many factors. Injuries from low voltage shocks are most likely to be superficial, whereas prolonged exposure to electrical current may cause deeper burns. Secondary injuries can occur following an electric shock. A person may respond by jerking away, which might cause them to lose balance or fall and injure another part of their body. Short-term effects on the severity of the electrical injury, its immediate effects may include: burns irregular heartbeat seizures tingling or prickling sensations loss of consciousness headaches Some people may notice unpleasant sensations but not have apparent physical damage, whereas others may experience a lot of pain and have obvious tissue damage. Those who have not experienced a significant injury or cardiac abnormalities within 24–48 Trusted Source of the electric shock are unlikely to develop them. More severe outcomes can include: coma heart attack respiratory arrest Long-term effects One study found that people who had received an electric shock were no more likely to develop heart problems within 5 years of the incident than those who had not. A person may experience a variety of symptoms, including neuropsychological and physical Trusted Source symptoms. The symptoms may include: Psychological Neurological Physical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) memory loss pain depression concentration difficulties fatigue anxiety tingling sensations headaches insomnia fainting night sweats reduced attention span loss of balance muscle spasms panic attacks sciatica stiff joints Anyone who has experienced an electric shock, regardless of whether it has caused a burn, should seek advice from a healthcare professional. First aid Minor electric shocks, such as those from small household appliances, do not typically need medical treatment. However, a person should see a doctor if they have experienced electrocution. If someone has received a high voltage shock, it is important to call 911 right away. If a person experiences a serious electric shock, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source give the following advice for how to respond as a bystander: Do not touch the person, as they may be in contact with the electrical source. Call 911 or have someone else call 911. If it is safe to do so, turn off the source of electricity. If it is not safe, use a nonconducting object made of wood, cardboard, or plastic to move the source away. After removing the electrical source, check the person for a pulse, and determine whether they are breathing. If the person has no pulse, begin CPR immediately. If the person is faint or pale, lay them down with their head lower than their body and elevate their legs. A person should neither touch any burns nor remove burned clothing. A person can perform CPR by: Administering compressions: Place one hand on top of the other in the middle of the chest. Using body weight, push down hard and fast to administer compressions that are 2 inches deep. The aim is to deliver 100–120 compressions per 60 seconds. Delivering rescue breaths: First, make sure that the person’s mouth is clear. Then, tilt their head back, lift their chin, pinch their nose closed, and blow into their mouth to make their chest rise. Perform two rescue breaths and continue administering compressions. Repeating the process: It is important to carry on until help arrives or the person begins breathing.