From the Guidelines
The treatment for electrical shock from an outlet is to immediately turn off the power source and then assess the victim for potential injuries, which may include cardiac arrhythmias, thermal burns, and respiratory arrest.
Key Steps in Treatment
- Turn off the power source: locate the switch, usually near the fuse box, and turn it off to prevent further injury to the victim or rescuer 1.
- Assess the victim: check for breathing, pulse, and signs of cardiac arrhythmias, and be prepared to provide CPR and defibrillation if necessary 1.
- Treat for shock and thermal burns: provide basic first aid for burns, such as cooling the affected area with cool water, and monitor for signs of shock, including pale or cool skin, fast or weak pulse, and shallow breathing 1.
- Seek medical attention: all victims of electric shock require medical assessment, as the extent of injury may not be immediately apparent 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Electrical Shock
The treatment for electrical shock from an outlet involves several steps to preserve cardiac and respiratory function and prevent further tissue damage.
- Safe extrication at the scene is crucial, as discussed in 2.
- Rapid triage and emergency medical treatment are essential, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary, as seen in 3.
- A thorough clinical assessment is necessary to ascertain the path of current through the body and possible internal injury, as stated in 4.
- Monitoring for delayed occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias is required, especially in the intensive care setting, as mentioned in 4.
- Treatment strategies may vary depending on the circumstances of the exposure, including the type of electric energy source and the parts of the body affected, as discussed in 5 and 6.
Management Strategies
Management strategies for electrical injuries include:
- Preservation of cardiac and respiratory function
- Prevention of further tissue damage
- Optimal evidence-based resuscitation, as reviewed in 5
- Consideration of potential occult or delayed effects, as discussed in 5
- Monitoring for at least 24 hours in cases where the patient is not stable, as recommended in 4