What should you know about minor electrical burn treatment?

Electrical current can enter at one point and leave at another, leaving a small mark while affecting tissue underneath. A person may also have muscle injury, an abnormal heartbeat or an injury from falling. The appearance of the burn does not reliably show the depth of the damage. The risk depends on the source, contact, path through the body and symptoms. Children, people with heart conditions and anyone exposed to high-voltage equipment need especially prompt assessment.

Switch off the electricity at the source before touching the injured person; do not approach someone still in contact with live power. Once safe, cool the burn with clean, cool running water, remove nearby jewellery or clothing that is not stuck, and cover the area loosely with a sterile wound dressing or clean non-fluffy material. Do not apply ice, creams or adhesive material to the burn, and do not break blisters. Arrange medical advice even if the skin mark looks minor.

Call emergency services for collapse, breathing difficulty, chest pain, palpitations, confusion, seizure, extensive burns, or a person who remains attached to the electrical source. Seek urgent assessment for burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals, deep or pale skin, increasing swelling, numbness, weakness or severe pain. Worsening redness, discharge or fever after the injury also needs prompt review.

Tell the clinician what caused the shock, how long contact lasted, where current entered and left, and whether you fell or lost awareness. Ask whether you need heart monitoring, a tetanus review, specialist burn care or follow-up wound checks.