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 2024/10/10 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