$Unique_ID{PAR00290}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  ELECTRICAL BURNS}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{ELECTRICAL BURNS electricity electric current lightning unconscious 
unconsciousness burn burned}
$Log{
Step 2*0029001.tif
Step 4*0029002.tif
Step 4 (Alternate)*0029003.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


ELECTRICAL BURNS


CAUSES

     Electrical burns are caused by direct contact with an electric current.
Being struck by lightning can also cause electrical burns.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  unconsciousness
  -  burns


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1. DO NOT directly touch child who is in contact with electric current.
2. Turn off electric current by pulling main switch, breaking circuit, or
   removing fuse.
3. If you must remove child before current is off, stand on something dry,
   such as newspaper, blanket, rubber mat, or cloth.  Wear rubber gloves if
   possible.
4. Push child away from current with dry board, stick, or broom handle, or
   pull child away with dry rope looped around child's leg or arm.  DO NOT use
   anything made of metal to free child.
5. If child is not breathing, see MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION (previous
   section).
6. Call 911 or operator, or take child to emergency room.
7. Observe for shock.  See SHOCK (later section).
8. Check for burns.  See BURNS (previous section).