Electric shock

Updated: 2024-09-19

Description

Injury to the body from direct contact with a high-voltage source.

Overview

An electric shock can be life-threatening. Call 911 or a local emergency number if the source of the shock is a high-voltage wire or lightning.

Symptoms

Life-threatening symptoms include severe burns, no heartbeat, no breathing, muscle pain and contractions, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Treatments

Even someone with minor injuries or no symptoms should be checked by a healthcare professional for internal injuries after an electric shock.