Electrical burns are more serious than they first appear. The entrance wound may be small, but as electricity penetrates the skin, it burns a large area below the surface, as shown in figure 10-46. Usually there are two external burn areas: one where the current enters the body and another where it leaves.

Before administering first aid, remove the victim from the electrical source. When power equipment is involved, shut it off or disconnect it immediately. If the victim is in an automobile accident and a live wire is lying on the car, pull the wire from the car, using a nonconducting dry rope or similar object. Stay away from the severed end of the power line, because it can jump.

Figure 10-47.-Pushing a victim away from a power line.

When rescuing a victim who has come into direct contact with a power line, stand on a well-insulated object, and use a dry rope or a wooden pole to either push or pull the wire away from the victim or the victim away from the wire. (See fig. 10-47.) Do not touch the victim until this is done or you, too, may become a casualty.

Electrical burns are often accompanied by respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, which are of more immediate danger to the victim than the bum itself. Start CPR immediately and continue until the victim regains a normal heartbeat and breathing pattern. Finally, lightly cover the site of the burn with a dry, preferably sterile dressing, treat for shock and transport the victim to a medical facility.