Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Electrical burns Electrical burns can result from contact with either high or low voltage electricity. Damage to tissue is always much worse than the surface wound indicates and breathing or the heart can stop. Electric shock may also ‘throw’ the patient, causing head or spinal injury and fractures or dislocations. During the scene assessment, be sure there is no further electrical hazard to you or the patient. Do not approach or touch a patient who is in contact with an electrical source. Never attempt to cut or move an electrical wire. Electricity must be turned off at the source. Contact the electrical company or the fire department to make the scene safe and keep others away until you confirm there is no longer a threat.

Continue flushing the area with liters and liters of water, if available, for 15 to 20 minutes or after the patient says the burning pain has stopped. If the patient’s eye has been burned, hold the eyelid open while gently flooding the eye with a stream of water. (see page 225 - eye wash)

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