RT Book, Section
A1 Doherty, Gerard M.
SR Print(0)
ID 58109691
T1 Electrical Injury
T2 Quick Answers Surgery
YR 2010
FD 2010
PB The McGraw-Hill Companies
PP New York, NY
SN 
LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=58109691
RD 2024/04/16
AB •  3  kinds  of  electrical  injuries1.  Current  injury2.  Electrothermal  burns  from  arcing  current3.  Flame  burns  from  ignited  clothing•  Damage  from  electrical  current  is  directly  proportional  to  its  intensity  (Ohm's  law):  Amperage  =  Voltage/Resistance•  Voltages  >  40  V  are  dangerous•  Current  path  through  body  depends  on  resistances:  bone>fat>tendon>skin>muscle>blood>nerve•  Pathway  of  current  determines  survival•  Type  of  current  also  relates  to  severity  of  injury  (AC>DC)•  Electrical  injuries  are  often  more  than  just  burns  (thrombosis,  hemorrhage,  fractures,  dislocations,  etc.)•  Deep  destruction  not  initially  evident•  Flame  burns  (clothing)  often  most  significant  injury