Electrical Injuries

SimWars

This post is part of a series developed in preparation for participation in ACEP SimWars. It contains a review of several prominent emergency medicine topics which may be relevant for board preparation. Unless otherwise cited, content is based on HippoEM videos.

 

Physics

  • High-voltage defined as >1,000V
  • Voltage related to injuries current via resistance (V=IR)
  • AC is 3x more lethal than DC
    • Fluctuation at 60Hz causes tetany, maintained grasp on source

Effects

  • Dysrhythmia
    • DC: asystole
    • AC: ventricular fibrillation
    • Delayed dysrhythmia uncommon
  • Burn
  • Tissue ischemia: vascular spasm or thrombosis
  • CNS: AMS, seizure, ICH, neuropathy
  • MSK: posterior shoulder dislocation

Management

  • Asymptomatic: None
  • Mild (i.e. small burn): ECG, UA (rhabdo)
  • High voltage: Labs, CT, admit for observation
  • Pediatrics: oral commissure burn, discharge with plastic surgery follow-up if no LOC, normal ECG, tolerating PO. Risk of delayed labial artery bleeding.

Complications

  • Keraunoparalysis: current travels up and down lower extremities causing transient paresthesia and paralysis.
  • Trauma: TM rupture, other mechanical injuries