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.
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Call or send someone to call 911 for emergency medical help whenever an electrical burn occurs. Serious electrical
injuries need urgent medical care.
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Unplug the appliance or device that has caused the injury or turn off the electrical
current at the circuit breaker.
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If the child is in contact with the electrical current, don't touch them until you
turn off the source or the circuit breaker.
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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).
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Cover the burned area with a sterile gauze dressing or clean bed sheet.
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Be aware that a child may go into "shock" after an electrical burn.
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Don't give the child anything to eat or drink.
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Place the child on their 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.
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If the child has vomited or has a serious injury to the face or mouth area, you may
place the child on their side.
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Keep the child warm with blankets or extra clothing, but don't use a heat source to
warm them.
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Raise the child's feet and legs if the child does not have a back or neck injury.
Use a prop or pillow to keep the legs raised.
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Take the 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 and are often much deeper
than they look. These burns can severely bleed for hours or even days after the injury.