Electrical Burns

Full thickness exit wound to armpit post high voltage electrical burn injury Copy

Full thickness exit wound to armpit post high voltage electrical burn injury
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Electrical burn severity is determined by the voltage, current and type of current, duration of contact and resistance at contact points. High voltage electrical injuries (>1000Volts) meet the Victorian State Trauma System’s Major Trauma criteria.

Low voltage injuries are usually sustained in domestic (240V single phase AC) or industrial (415V 3 phase AC) settings. In general, low voltage injuries are associated with localized areas of tissue destruction.

High voltage electrical injuries occur as a result of contact with overhead powerlines and other sources of high voltage electrical currents. High Voltage Electrical injuries tend to be characterized by deep, extensive tissue damage with 3 general patterns of injury:

  • ‘true’ electrical injury caused by current flow
  • electrical arc injury caused by arc of current from source to object
  • flame injury from ignition of clothes etc

High voltage injuries are commonly associated with other traumatic injuries.

The Alfred Hospital gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support and contribution of Skilled Medical in funding this project.  For more information on Skilled Medical, please visit www.skilledmedical.com
Supported by:

Ambulance Victoria The Alfred Victorian Adult Burn Services at The Alfred The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne