Articles and Research

About Electrocution Burns

Electrocution burns are common sequelae of electrocution. Electrocution occurs when energy is transferred from a source of electricity, such as a power line, through the body which acts as a conductor of electrical energy. The head, hands and feet are the most frequent areas affected by electrocution burns.

Electrocution burns may affect only a small area, but these burns may be severe. Burns are classified according to their depth, just as burns from thermal or chemical sources are (i.e. first, second or third degree). There may be more than one burn, including the area where the electricity entered the body and another burn where the energy exited.

Second degree burns, or partial thickness burns, involve both the epidermis and the dermis. Second degree burns are further divided into superficial and deep second degree burns, depending on the extent of involvement of the dermis. Second degree burns that are deep will often require grafting and can be quite painful. They may result in permanent scars.

Third degree burns involve the full thickness of the skin, including the subcutaneous layer. In addition, bone, tendon, ligaments and muscle may be involved. These burns always require grafting and will result in scarring.

Other injuries may accompany electrocution burns. Ventricular fibrillation is the most feared consequence of an electrocution injury. When electrical energy affects the heart it disrupts the normal conduction of the heart, resulting in chaotic and ineffective fibrillation of the ventricles, the bottom chambers of the heart that supply blood flow to the rest of the body. As a result, the body is starved of oxygen and death will ensue within a few short minutes. The victim of ventricular fibrillation requires immediate defibrillation in order to survive. If defibrillation is provided early, victims stand a good chance of survival.

Victims of electrocution often fall or are thrown from the source of the electrical energy. Therefore, fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and damage to internal organs may accompany electrocution burns and may be more of a threat to survival than electrocution burns. Injuries of this nature should always be suspected whenever a victim of electrocution falls or is thrown.

Treatment of electrocution burns is the same as treatment of any other burns. Fluid resuscitation is provided based on established formulas which take into account the percentage of body surface area affected. Tetanus prophylaxis and pain medications will be given. Surgical consultation may be necessary when burns are severe. Length of hospitalization and rehabilitation will depend on the extent of burns and other injuries sustained. Electrocution burns may be minor in comparison to head or spinal cord injuries, for example.

Electrocution burns are a common complication of electrocution accidents. They may be severe but may assume less importance when other associated injuries are present. Victims of electrocution burns should always be assessed by a physician.

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