Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when there is contact with electricity. Their severity is normally dependent on the type of electricity. Low voltage exposure typically causes less burning and injury than high voltage exposures.

Caring for an electrical burn

• Call or send someone to call 911 for emergency medical help whenever an electrical burn occurs. Serious electrical injuries need urgent medical care.

• Unplug the appliance or device that has caused the injury or turn off the electrical current at the circuit breaker.

• If the child is in contact with the electrical current, don't touch him or her until you turn off the source or the circuit breaker.

• Check to see if the child is still breathing. If the child isn't breathing, call or send someone to call 911 and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Cover the burned area with a sterile gauze bandage or clean bed sheet.

• Be aware that a child may go into "shock" after an electrical burn.

• Don't give your child anything to eat or drink.

• Place the child on his or her back, unless a neck or back injury is suspected. If neck or back injury is suspected, don't move the child until paramedics or emergency medical help arrives.

• If the child has vomited or has a serious injury to the face or mouth area, you may place the child on his or her side.

• Keep your child warm with blankets or extra clothing, but don't use a heat source to warm him or her.

• Raise your child's feet and legs if your child does not have a back or neck injury. Use a prop or pillow to keep the legs raised.

• Take your child to the ER if they bite an electrical cord and get a small burn at the corner of their mouth. These burns can be very dangerous despite being small. These burns can bleed uncontrollably.