Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a freelance healthcare journalist and content marketing writer at Health Writing Solutions, LLC. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room.

Michael Menna, DO, is board-certified in emergency medicine. He is an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York and also works at an urgent care center and a telemedicine company that provides care to patients across the country.

Electrical shock occurs when an electrical current travels through the body. Injuries from electrical shock happen when someone accidentally comes in contact with an electrical source, such as a frayed cord or a downed power line.

This article discusses the causes, signs, effects, and prevention of electrical shock.

An electric shock occurs when someone has direct contact with a high-voltage current that travels through the body.

Several things can cause an electric shock, including:

Signs and symptoms of electrical shock can vary based on the type and amount of voltage. Some may include:

Symptoms caused by touching a frayed kitchen appliance cord are usually much less severe than those caused by higher-voltage shocks from sources such as power lines or lightning.

When electrical shock occurs outside, the treatment may also involve several steps to ensure the area is safe before helping the victim, such as:

If a person or child experiences an electrical shock at home, contact your healthcare provider, pediatrician, or call 911. In some cases, shock can cause internal injuries that are visually undetectable.

A healthcare provider can assess for surface burns, mouth burns, or other internal organ injuries. If the person has severe burns, they may need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation.

Medical care for electrical shock will depend on the amount of voltage involved. Minor incidence of electrical shock may not require medical care.

Treatment for less severe incidences of electrical shock may include pain medication, antibiotic ointment, and dressing changes for minor burns.

Higher voltage injuries will require a higher level of care and often have poorer outcomes. Emergency medical care may require:

If you or a loved one experiences an electrical shock, it's important to be examined by a healthcare provider.

The damage from an electrical shock depends on the voltage level, source, how it traveled through the body, the person's age, and overall health.

Call 911 if a person with electrical shock has:

Best practices to prevent electrical shock in the home include:

There are several ways to prevent electrical shock outside of the house, including:

Electrical shock occurs when a high voltage current travels through the body. This usually happens when someone accidentally comes into contact with an electrical source. The aftercare may require anything from minor first aid care to treatment for internal and external burns.

It's essential to be aware of potential electrical hazards to best prevent them from occurring. If you suspect that someone has experienced an electrical shock, call for help and ensure the voltage source is no longer a danger before helping the victim.

Electrical shock is almost always accidental, as well as preventable. The resulting injuries can range from minor to severe and, in some cases, fatal. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of electrical dangers in and around your home to keep you and any small children safe. If you have any cause for concern, consider having a certified electrician visit your house or call your electrical company.

Lasting effects of electric shock may include:

Electrical shock is categorized as high (above 1,000 volts) or low (lower than 100 volts). High voltage injuries cause greater fatalities. However, a fatal injury can be caused by a current as low as 110 volts.

In addition to voltage, several other factors determine how much of an electrical shock the body can handle, including:

Yes, an electrical shock can be transferred from one person to another. If you suspect someone has had an electrical shock, first examine them visually but don't touch them. If the person is still connected to the electrical source, they can pass the electrical current on to you.

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U.S. National Library of Medicine. Electrical injury.

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Protect yourself from electrical hazards|natural disasters and severe weather.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Electric shock injuries in children.

Merck Manual Consumer Version. Electrical injuries.

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