Electrical injury: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services immediately if someone:

   • Is still in contact with an electrical source
   • Is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or has collapsed
   • Has chest pain, breathing difficulty, a seizure, or an abnormal heartbeat
   • Has significant burns, severe pain, confusion, or weakness
   • Has touched a power line or high-voltage equipment
   • Has been struck by lightning
   • Has fallen from a height or may have a head, neck, or back injury

   Do not approach until the source has been disconnected or emergency personnel say it is safe.

   A person struck by lightning does not retain an electrical charge and can be touched once the surroundings are safe.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Prompt medical assessment is also appropriate after loss of consciousness, a burn around the mouth, pregnancy during exposure, or current that may have crossed the chest.

   Seek urgent care for increasing swelling, worsening pain, dark or reduced urine, new weakness, spreading redness, fever, or bleeding from an electrical mouth burn.

   For a minor shock without symptoms or visible injury, contact a healthcare service or urgent-care advice line for guidance based on the source and circumstances.

   Seek urgent help if concerning symptoms develop.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Electrical injury. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.