If it is not immediately possible to shut off the power, stand on a dry surface—such as a rubber doormat or a pile of papers or books—and use a dry wooden object—such as a broom handle—to push the person away from the electrical source. Do not use anything wet or made of metal.
If the heart has stopped, you will need to administer CPR. Even if the victim is conscious, you should call 911 if he or she has severe burns, a fast heartbeat, heart arrhythmia/cardiac arrest, a seizure, problems walking or keeping balance, trouble seeing or hearing, red or reddish black urine, confusion, muscle pain and contractions, or difficulty breathing. [5] X Research source Be aware that the person may also have kidney damage or damage to the nervous system or bones.
Cover the burns with a dry, sterile gauze bandage. For severe burns, do not attempt to remove pieces of clothing that have stuck to the skin. However, you can cut away loose clothing near the area of the burn, especially if the clothing encircles the area and can become problematic if the area swells. Do not attempt to cool the burn. Do not use a blanket or towel to cover the burns because the loose fibers can stick to the burn surface. Do not apply grease or oil to the burns.
They will likely order blood and urine tests to check for damage to your muscles, heart, and other organs. An ECG (or EKG) will record the electrical activity in your heart to ensure that the shock hasn’t caused any arrhythmia. For serious burns, medical staff may take a scintigraphy, which helps find dead tissue that may need to be removed.
Change in color of the burnt area or surrounding skin Purplish discoloration, particularly if swelling is also present Change in thickness of the burn (the burn suddenly extends deep into the skin) Greenish discharge or pus Fever
Debridement or the removal of dead or highly damaged tissue to prevent infection, inflammation, and to improve healing time Skin grafts or flaps, which is the process for replacing lost skin with healthy skin from other sites to help assist in healing and prevent infection. Escharotomy, which is an incision made in dead tissue to the fat layers below and can improve blood flow as well as relieving pain from pressure caused by swelling. Fasciotomy, or the release of pressure caused by swollen muscles associated with the burn, which can help decrease damage to nerves, tissue, or organs.
If clothing is stuck to the burn, then this is not a minor burn, and you should seek immediate medical care. Do not try to remove clothing stuck to a burn. Instead, cut around the stuck portion to remove only the loose areas.
Do not ever use ice or ice water because the colder temperature can lead to additional tissue damage. You can place arms, hands, feet, and legs into a basin of cool water, but you should use a cool compress for burns to the face or body. [15] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
This also includes using only clean cloths, gauze, gloves, or anything else you might use when handling the burn.
Some of the burned skin might come off as you wash the area.
For extremely minor first-degree burns, this may be all the care you need to provide to the area.
You can also apply pure aloe gel to help alleviate inflammation and soothe any burning sensations. [20] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
If the burned skin or blisters have not broken open, then the area may not require a bandage. However, wrap the area regardless if it’s in a location prone to getting dirty or that could become irritated by clothing. Do not tape a bandage so that it circles a hand, arm, or leg. This can cause swelling.
Feel dizzy or weak Have stiff joints or muscle pain Experience confusion or memory loss Have questions or concerns about your condition or care
Change in color of the burnt area or surrounding skin Purplish discoloration, particularly if swelling is also present Change in thickness of the burn (the burn suddenly extends deep into the skin) Greenish discharge or pus Fever
A large blister is roughly anything larger than your pinky fingernail.
