Electrical burns: First aid

Date Updated: 08/10/2024

Overview

Electrical burns may be caused by a number of sources of electricity. Examples include lightning, stun guns, and contact with job site or household current.

When to seek emergency care

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the source of the burn is a high voltage wire or lightening. Also call if the injured person has:

Severe burns.
Confusion.
Trouble breathing.
Irregular heart rhythm, called arrhythmia.
Does not have a pulse and is not breathing, called cardiac arrest.
Muscle pain and contractions.
Seizures.
Loss of consciousness.

Treatment

Treat minor electrical skin burns like any other minor burn.

Put a cool, wet cloth on the area.
Gently clean the skin.
Put a bandage on the area.

For serious burns, after you call 911 or your local medical emergency number, take these actions right away while waiting for medical help:

Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from both you and the injured person. Use a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
Begin CPR if the person is not breathing, coughing or moving and doesn't have a pulse.
Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth or sheet.
Try to prevent the injured person from getting chilled.

What to avoid

For the person with a serious burn:

Don't remove clothing or try to clean the burned area.
Don't move the person unless the person is in immediate danger.
Don't use a blanket or towel to cover the person because loose fibers can stick to the burn.

For you:

Don't get near high-voltage wires until the power is turned off. Overhead power lines usually aren't insulated. Stay at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) away — farther if wires are jumping and sparking.
Don't drive over downed power lines. If a live electrical line contacts the vehicle you're in, stay in the vehicle. Call 911 or your local emergency number to disable the power line before touching any metal to try to exit the vehicle.

When to call your doctor

If you have any questions about how severe the burn is, contact a healthcare professional.

Any person who has been injured by contact with electricity should see a healthcare professional. The damage may be worse than it looks from the burn on the skin. Sometimes an electrical injury can cause damage to skin, muscles, blood vessels and nerves, often in an arm or a leg. The heart, brain and other body organs can be damaged.