ELECTRICAL INJURY

Originated-1-25-2010

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DESIGNATION OF CONDITION

Signs and symptoms may include any one or all of the following: Partial to full thickness burns with entrance and exit wounds, associated fractures, disorientation, cardiac dysrhythmias, irregular respiration, apnea, unconsciousness or cardiac arrest. High voltage electrical injuries are considered critical burns.

EMPHASIS ON PATIENT CARE

Airway Maintenance, CPR and defibrillation if indicated, maintain adequate perfusion.

FIRST RESPONDER AND BASIC PRE-HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT

1. Assess the scene for safety. Turn the power off, if it can be done safely, otherwise call the electric company.

2. Assess airway, breathing and circulation and manage as indicated.

3. Transport the patient as soon as possible to appropriate medical facility.

4. Obtain focused H&P - History, physical exam, vital signs, especially a detailed
Mechanism of Injury.

INTERMEDIATE and PARAMEDIC PRE-HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT

5. En-route, initiate a large bore IV of an isotonic solution and infuse at a flow rate to maintain adequate vital signs.