A shocking discovery

Following a suspected electric shock whilst working on an elevator, a lift technicians assistant was admitted to the Christiaan Barnard memorial Hospital ER. In addition, the paramedic staff that brought the patient in, reported that he fell from ladder and presented in confused and disorientated manner.  After being rapidly assessed, the patient was moved to the ICU for further examination and monitoring. 

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Electrical injuries: 

The human body is a good conductor of electricity. Electrical injuries may be defined as damage to the skin or internal organs as a result of direct contact with an electrical current. An electric current may cause damage in three ways: 

• Cardiac arrest or arrhythmia due to the electrical effect on the heart
• Muscle, nerve, and tissue destruction from a current passing through the body
• Thermal burns from direct contact with the electrical source

Common symptoms may include:

• Changes in alertness (consciousness)
• Broken bones
• Heart attack (chest, arm, neck, jaw, or back pain)
• Headache
• Problems with swallowing, vision, or hearing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle spasms and pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Breathing problems or lung failure
• Seizures
• Burns, superficial, partial thickness or full thickness

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Preventing Electric Shock: 

• Avoid electrical hazards at home and at work. Always follow manufacturer's safety instructions when using electrical appliances
• Avoid using electrical appliances while showering or wet
• Keep children away from electrical devices, especially those that are plugged in
• Keep electrical cords out of children's reach
• Never touch electrical appliances while touching faucets or cold water pipes
• Teach children about the dangers of electricity
• Use child safety plugs in all outlet

Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 140.

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An Injury and Prevention Awareness Project brought to you by Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital Trauma & Emergency Centre.

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