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Electrical injury - Prevention

Alternative Names

Electrical shock

Prevention:

  • 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 outlets
  • Reviewed last on: 1/5/2011
  • Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Fish RM. Electrical injuries. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004: chap 201.

Schwartz LR, Balakrishnan C. Thermal burns. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004: chap 199.

Price TG, Cooper MA. Electrical and lightning injuries. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 140.

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