Electrical Burns First Aid: What to Do & What to Avoid 

⚡ Electrical Burns, Lightning Strikes & Voltage Dangers

Electrical burns don’t just come from tools and cords. In New Zealand, we also see injuries from lightning strikes, low-voltage household power, and high-voltage hazards like downed powerlines.
Each behaves very differently — and each requires fast, informed first aid.

⚡ Low Voltage vs High Voltage

Before diving into specific scenarios, it helps to understand the difference:

🔌 Low Voltage (under 1,000 volts)

Examples:

• Household outlets (NZ: 230–240V)

• Most workplace tools

• Vehicle batteries

Risks:

• Serious shock and burns

• Muscle spasms causing secondary injuries (falls, being thrown)

• Heart rhythm disturbances

Even low-voltage exposure can be life-threatening, especially if current travels across the chest.

⚡ High Voltage (over 1,000 volts)

Examples:

• Downed powerlines

• Electricity network infrastructure

• Industrial equipment

Risks:

• Massive internal burns

• Cardiac or respiratory arrest

• Arc flash burns without direct contact

• Multi-system trauma

High voltage doesn’t behave the way people expect — you don’t need to touch it to be injured.

⚡ Lightning Strikes: A Unique Danger

Lightning is extremely high voltage — millions of volts — but the contact time is incredibly short.

Common effects of lightning:

• Cardiac arrest (often the primary cause of death)

• Respiratory arrest

• Confusion or temporary paralysis

• Ruptured eardrums

• Burns at entry/exit points

• Flashover burns (electricity travels over the skin)

Important: Lightning-strike patients may appear dead but can often be successfully resuscitated with fast CPR.

⚡ Downed Powerlines: The Most Dangerous Electrical Emergency

Downed lines create a “step potential” — electricity spreads through the ground in a gradient.

If you approach, you can be shocked without touching anything.

What to do:

• Stay at least 10 metres away (one bus length)

• Treat the entire area as live

• Call 111 and report a downed powerline

• Warn others to stay back

• Do NOT attempt rescue until the lines company declares it safe

If a vehicle is involved:

• Tell occupants to stay inside

• If they must exit due to fire:

  • Jump clear with both feet together

  • Shuffle or hop away from the area

This reduces the chance of current travelling up one leg and down the other.

⚡ First Aid for Electrical Burns & Shock (All Scenarios)

Whether it’s a tool shock, lightning, or a powerline incident, the approach remains:

1️⃣ Danger

Do NOT touch the person until the electrical source is confirmed OFF or safe.

2️⃣ Response

Check for consciousness.

3️⃣ Send for Help

Call 111 immediately for any electrical injury.

4️⃣ Airway & Breathing

If unresponsive and not breathing → Start CPR.

Lightning-strike victims have an especially high survival rate with early CPR.

5️⃣ Treat Burns

• Cool burns with water for up to 20 minutes

• Do not apply creams or ice

• Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing

• Look for entry and exit wounds

6️⃣ Monitor for Shock & Hidden Injuries

Electricity can cause internal injuries you can’t see.

⚡ Preventing Serious Electrical Injuries

Simple habits make workplaces safer:

• Inspect cords, tools, and chargers regularly

• Install RCDs in wet environments

• Keep well clear of downed powerlines

• Stop work in electrical storms when possible

• Train your team in realistic, scenario-based electrical emergencies

Real emergencies aren’t neat or predictable — and your training shouldn’t be either.

⚡ Train With RealMed First Aid

We teach your team to handle electrical shocks, burns, lightning-strike scenarios, and high-voltage hazards using:

🔸 Comprehensive First Aid Course
🔸 Special effects (FX) makeup for realism
🔸 Your actual workplace equipment
🔸 Practical, hands-on skill development

📍 Based across the Central & Lower North Island
📅 Book on-site group training: realmed.co.nz/contact