Regardless of the voltage there are steps you need to take:

• The power must be turned off. A witness of the accident must turn off the power source as soon as possible if the victim is unconscious or unable to do so.

• If this is not possible, the victim must be disengaged from the electric current.

• Wearing lineman's gloves, trained electricians must separate the victim from the circuit by a specially insulated pole.

• Looping a polydacron rope around the injured patient is another method of pulling him or her from the electric power source.

• Ideally, the first responder should stand on a dry surface during the rescue.

Low Voltage Burns

Low-voltage burns occur almost exclusively on the hands and oral cavity. The most common causes of burns on the hands is from touching frayed and worn extension cords or plugging in appliances.

Oral cavity injuries occur most frequently in those aged 1-2 years and they are generally boys. Children are injured by sucking on extension cord sockets or biting extension cords. These injuries can be severe and permanent.

Treatment:

• In both cases the treatment is the same. Start by removing the patient from the electrical source. See above.

• A burn gel can be applied to cool the burn and stop burn pain.

• Determine the severity of the burn using the criteria above and appropriate guidelines.

• In the case of oral cavity burns a petroleum based antibiotic is used 4 times a day. You will need to see you doctor about this one.

• Though low-voltage burns are small they can be severe causing amputation of fingers and permanent scarring to lips and face. For electrical burns it is always advisable to seek medical attention at soon as possible.

High-Voltage Burns

There are two types of high-voltage burns. One involves an electrical arc. In this case a current arcs onto the external body. There can be multiple burns at each place of contact. The most common contact points are the head, hands and feet. These types of burns can leave extensive tissue damage.

The other type is a burn from an electrical current. In these cases the body acts as a conduit that the electricity passes through. There will usually be an entrance and exit wounds. The skin will be black and charred. This type of electrical burn can cause deep internal damage and injury.

Treatment:

• The patient must be removed from the electrical source. (Please see above.)

• These burns are serious, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 first.

• While waiting for help to arrive use the guidelines above to determine the severity of the burns and treat accordingly.