Electricity is a fundamental part of modern life, powering our homes, workplaces, and countless electronic devices. While electricity has brought numerous benefits to society, it also carries inherent dangers when mishandled or encountered accidentally. In the United States, electrical accidents result in about 1,000 deaths per year; most of these are caused by high voltage electrical injuries, while a smaller portion of these are caused by lightning strikes. Meanwhile, more than 30,000 non-fatal electrical shock injuries occur every year.
When you hear of electrical accidents, you likely also hear the terms “electrical shock” and “electrocution.” These terms are often used interchangeably, however, they have very different meanings. Below, our professional electricians discuss electric shock vs. electrocution.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from electric shock injuries is to schedule an occasional electrical safety inspection in Alexandria. At Lombardi Electric, we will check for malfunctioning electrical systems and fire hazards and then make any necessary repairs. Call 318-545-7575 to speak to an Alexandria electrician today.
What Happens When Electricity Passes Through The Body?
Before delving into the specifics of electric shock vs. electrocution, it is essential to understand what actually happens when electricity passes through the human body. When a person comes into contact with an electrical current, the body serves as a conductor for the flow of electrons. This is because the human body contains water, salts, and various conductive materials, making it capable of carrying electrical charges.
The severity of the electrical injury depends on several factors, including the amount of current, the pathway it takes through the body, and the duration of exposure. Electrical energy passing through the body can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, potentially causing a range of injuries, from mild shocks to fatal electrocutions.
What is an Electric Shock?
An electrical shock is when a person comes into contact with an electrical current, resulting in an involuntary response from the body. It is important to note that electric shocks can vary significantly in severity, and not all electric shocks are life-threatening or fatal.
Common causes of electric shock injuries include accidental contact with an electrical arc flash or downed power lines, touching malfunctioning electrical devices, being near electrical appliances that contact water, sticking fingers or metal objects into household electrical outlets, touching overloaded electrical outlets, touching faulty or exposed wires, or getting struck by lightning.
What is Considered a Mild Electric Shock?
A mild electric shock typically refers to a low-voltage electrical exposure that causes minimal electric shock damage. Common symptoms of a mild electric shock include:
- Muscle Contractions: A mild electric shock can cause muscles to contract involuntarily, leading to muscle spasms or jerking movements.
- Pain or Discomfort: Individuals may experience a sharp or tingling sensation at the point of contact with the electrical source.
- Numbness and Tingling: In some cases, numbness and tingling sensations may persist for a short duration after the shock.
- Skin Burns or Redness: Contact with electrical sources may cause minor burns or redness at the site of contact.
What is the Let-Go Threshold?
The let-go threshold is a crucial concept related to electric shocks. It refers to the level of electric current at which a person is no longer able to voluntarily release their grip on exposed electrical sources. This threshold is important because it can determine whether a person can free themselves from the source of an electrical shock.
The let-go threshold varies from person to person and depends on factors such as body size, skin resistance, and the pathway of the current. It typically ranges from 7 milliamps (mA) to 15 mA for alternating current (AC) at typical household voltages. If a person’s grip is compromised due to the let-go threshold, they may be unable to remove themselves from the electrical source, increasing the risk of prolonged exposure, severe injuries, and even death.
What Does an Electric Shock Feel Like?
The sensation of an electric shock can vary depending on the voltage, current, and the pathway the electrical current takes through the body. Some individuals describe the feeling as a sudden jolt, while others liken it to a burning or tingling sensation. The intensity of the pain and discomfort also varies, with milder shocks causing less severe sensations.
In some cases, the shock may be so brief that the person barely notices it, while in others, it can be a painful and startling experience. It is important to note that the perception of pain during an electric shock can be influenced by various factors, including the individual’s tolerance to pain and the circumstances surrounding the shock.
Short-Term Effects of an Electric Shock
Mild electric shocks typically result in short-term effects that may subside relatively quickly. Victims of a mild electrical shock frequently suffer from the following injuries:
- Muscle Contractions: Temporary muscle contractions or spasms may occur but usually resolve within a short time.
- Pain and Discomfort: The immediate pain or discomfort at the site of contact with the electrical source may diminish once the shock has ended.
- Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness and tingling often subside shortly after the shock.
- Electrical Burn or Redness: Superficial burns or redness may occur but are usually minor in the case of mild shocks.
In most cases, these common injuries do not lead to long-term health risks. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and assess the situation carefully, as more severe electrical harm can lead to more substantial short-term and long-term effects.
Long-Term Effects of an Electric Shock
While mild electric shocks generally result in short-term effects, exposure to higher-voltage electrical currents can lead to more severe and long-lasting health consequences. The long-term effects of severe electrical shock damage can include:
- Electrical Burns: High-voltage shocks can cause deep tissue burns, which may require skin grafts and can leave permanent scars.
- Nerve Damage: Electrical currents can damage nerves, leading to long-term pain, numbness, or loss of sensation in the affected area.
- Muscle Injuries: Prolonged exposure to electrical current can cause severe muscle injuries, potentially resulting in muscle weakness or dysfunction.
- Broken Bones and Spine Injuries: If the shock is severe enough to cause the person to fall and seize on the ground for a long period of time, a bone fracture or a spine injury could occur.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: In cases of electrical shocks that pass through the chest area, disruptions in the heart’s electrical activity can occur, potentially leading to irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest.
- Respiratory Failure: Severe electrical shocks can affect the respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties or even respiratory arrest.
- Organ Damage: In extreme cases, electrical shocks can lead to internal injuries, such as internal organ damage, which may necessitate surgical intervention.
- Brain Damage: An electric shock can cause long-term psychological and neurological issues, such as memory loss, mood swings, PTSD, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, etc.
It is important to emphasize that the severity of long-term effects depends on the voltage and current involved, as well as the duration of exposure. High-voltage electrical injuries can lead to life-altering injuries that require immediate medical attention.
When Should I Go To the Doctor After an Electric Shock?
When any kind of electric shock occurs, you should get checked out at your local emergency department, even if you think you’ve only suffered a mild electric shock injury.
If you’re suffering from any of the following electric shock damage, you should call 911 or head to your local emergency department immediately:
- High-Voltage Shock: If the electric shock involves high voltage, such as household mains electricity, a downed power line, or industrial power sources, you need an immediate physical examination and treatment.
- Loss of Consciousness: If the person loses consciousness or experiences a blackout, it is essential to seek medical help immediately.
- Difficulty Breathing: If the electric shock affects the chest area and results in difficulty breathing or chest pain, it could indicate cardiac arrest and should be treated as a medical emergency.
- Cardiac Symptoms: Any symptoms related to irregular heart rhythms, palpitations, or chest discomfort following an electric shock require immediate medical assessment.
- Severe Burns: If the electric shock causes severe burns or deep tissue damage, immediate medical attention is required.
- Numbness or Weakness: Prolonged numbness or weakness in any part of the body following an electric shock may indicate nerve or muscle damage, necessitating medical evaluation.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: If the shock leads to uncontrolled bleeding, pressure should be applied to the wound, and medical assistance sought promptly.
- Persistent Pain: If the pain from the electric shock gets worse over time, medical evaluation is recommended.
- Signs of Infection: If the site of contact with the electrical source shows signs of infection – such as redness, swelling, or pus – medical attention should be sought to prevent complications.
Electric Shock Treatment
The treatment for electric shocks varies depending on the severity of the injury and the specific symptoms experienced by the individual. Mild electric shocks may not require extensive medical intervention and can often be managed with basic first aid:
- Ensure Safety: Before providing assistance, ensure that the area is safe and that the source of electrical harm has been disconnected or removed.
- Check for Responsiveness: If the person is unresponsive, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
- Assess Injuries: Examine the individual for injuries, burns, or signs of trauma.
- Provide First Aid: Administer first aid as necessary, such as treating burns with cool, running water, covering wounds with clean dressings, and immobilizing fractured bones.
For more severe electric shocks, especially those involving high voltage that cause life-changing injuries, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Medical treatment for severe electric shocks may include:
- Cardiac Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the heart’s electrical activity to detect and treat any arrhythmias.
- Respiratory Support: Assisting with breathing or providing mechanical ventilation if necessary.
- Wound Care: Treating electrical burns and other injuries, which may involve debridement, dressing changes, or surgery.
- Pain Management: Administering pain relief medications to manage discomfort.
- Neurological Assessment: Evaluating nerve function and addressing any neurological deficits.
- Fluid Replacement: Administering intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
- Physical Therapy: Providing rehabilitation and physical therapy to recover muscle strength and function.
- Psychological Support: Offering emotional and psychological support to individuals who have experienced severe electrical injuries, as they may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
What is Electrocution?
Electrocution refers to a fatal electric shock, where the electrical current passing through the body results in death. Electrocution is a severe and tragic outcome of electrical accidents and is typically associated with high-voltage electrical exposures.
Electric Shock vs. Electrocution: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between an electric shock and electrocution lies in the outcome:
- An electric shock refers to the experience of coming into contact with an electrical current, which may or may not cause injuries. Electric shocks can range from mild discomfort to severe harm, but they do not necessarily lead to death.
- In contrast, electrocution specifically denotes a fatal outcome resulting from an electric shock. When a person is electrocuted, the electrical current passing through their body leads to their death.
It is crucial to recognize and understand this distinction, as it underscores the seriousness of electrocution and the potential consequences of working with or being exposed to high-voltage electricity without proper safety precautions.
Call Lombardi Electric Today
At Lombardi Electric, we are well aware of catastrophic injury cases related to electrical accidents. That’s why our professional electricians are committed to protecting the safety of all of our customers. We offer extensive residential and commercial electrical safety inspections in Alexandria.
Once we complete an electrical inspection, we’ll fix any malfunctioning electrical appliance, electrical outlet, or faulty wiring so that you can have peace of mind. Call 318-545-7575 to speak with an Alexandria, Louisiana electrician at Lombardi Electric today.
