Electric Shock: When Do You Need the ER?
Call 911 if someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, has chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizure or serious burns after an electric shock. If the person is still in contact with the source, do not touch them until the power is switched off.
Even a short shock that seems minor, such as from a household socket, should be checked if it came with any symptoms or burns, because electricity can affect the heart rhythm and cause injury that is not visible on the skin.
Need help now? Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency, or reach our 24/7 line.
Key takeaways
- Do not touch someone who is still in contact with electricity. Switch off the power first.
- Call 911 for loss of consciousness, breathing trouble, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat or serious burns.
- Electric shock can affect the heart even when the skin looks fine.
- Any shock with symptoms, burns or from high voltage should be checked in the ER.
- Keep children away from sockets and wires, and call for help early.
An electric shock can range from a mild tingle to a life-threatening injury. The tricky part is that the damage is not always visible. The current can pass through the body and affect the heart, muscles and nerves, so how someone looks right after is not always a reliable guide. This guide explains how to help safely, what to watch for and when an ER check is the safer choice.
How do you help someone safely?
- Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the source.
- Switch off the power at the mains or unplug it if you can do so safely.
- If you cannot switch it off, do not go near a high-voltage source. Call 911 and wait at a safe distance.
- Once it is safe, check if they are awake and breathing, and call 911 if not.
- Do not move them if you suspect a neck or back injury unless they are in danger.
Why can a brief shock still affect the heart?
The heart works through tiny electrical signals, and an outside current can disturb them. This can cause an irregular heartbeat, sometimes some time after the shock. That is why palpitations, dizziness, chest pain or fainting after a shock need urgent care, see also when palpitations are an emergency. A doctor can check your heart rhythm and look for hidden injury.
What about burns from an electric shock?
Electrical burns can be small on the skin but deeper underneath, especially where the current entered and left the body. Cool a burn with running water only once the power is off and it is safe, cover it loosely with a clean non-fluffy dressing and have it checked. See burns first aid for general steps. Do not put creams, butter or toothpaste on it.
After an electric shock: what to do
| Situation | Typical signs | How soon | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collapse or breathing trouble | Unconscious, not breathing normally, no response | Right now | Call 911 |
| Heart or nerve symptoms | Chest pain, irregular or racing heartbeat, confusion, seizure | Right now | Call 911 or go to the ER |
| Burns or high voltage | Burn marks at entry or exit, power line, work equipment | Same day, now if large | Go to the ER |
| Brief tingle from a household appliance | Short jolt, no symptoms, no burns, feel normal | Watch for the next hours | Seek care if anything develops |
When is this an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the ER now if:
- Unconsciousness, or not breathing normally.
- Chest pain, palpitations, a very fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Confusion, seizure, severe headache or trouble speaking.
- Serious burns, or burns on the mouth, hands or feet.
- A shock from a power line, work equipment or any high-voltage source.
- Muscle pain, weakness or dark urine after a shock.
- A shock in a pregnant woman or a young child.
Do any of these match? For a life-threatening emergency call 911. For other urgent problems, our Dabouq emergency department is open 24/7.
See a doctor the same day if:
- A shock that came with any burn, even a small one.
- A shock followed by tingling, numbness or muscle aches.
- A shock that made you fall or hit your head.
- Any shock you are worried about, even if you feel well.
May be managed at home, with follow-up, if:
- A very brief tingle from a household appliance, with no burn and no symptoms.
- Unplug the faulty appliance and have it checked before using it again.
- Keep watching for the next hours and seek care if symptoms appear.
What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?
At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.
Electric shock and not sure?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.
Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313Sources
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.