Abstract

Electrical injuries may occur from high or low voltage contact. Low voltage injuries usually occur in the home, tetany may lead to sustained contact, and dangerous cardiac disturbances often result. High voltage injuries are usually work related and result from brief contact but may cause serious tissue destruction and secondary injuries. Both forms may be fatal. Electrical injury more closely resembles a crush injury than a thermal injury and is managed accordingly. External manifestations often belie the severity of deeper wounds.