First Aid Guides
Electric shock
Causes, signs and symptoms
Some injuries and complications may not be obvious initially. A medical examination is important after any electric shock.
Depending on the length and severity of the electric shock, injuries can include:
- Burns to the skin
- Burns to internal tissues or organs
- Electrical interference or damage to the heart, causing the heart to stop or beat erratically
What causes electric shock?
Some causes of electric shock include:
- Faulty appliances or equipment
- Damaged power cords or extension leads
- Electricity in contact with water or metals
- Household wiring
- Downed powerlines
- Lightning strike
Symptoms of electric shock
Typical symptoms of an electric shock include:
- Unconsciousness
- Collapsing after contact with live electricity
- Difficulty breathing
- A weak, erratic pulse or no pulse at all
- Burns, particularly at the place where the electricity entered and exited the body
- Cardiac arrest
