Burns are common – kettles, ovens, sunburn, campfires.
But one cause people often forget about is electricity.
In this Trainer’s Corner video, the team talk through electrical burns, why they’re different, why they can be more dangerous than they first appear, and what to do if you’re faced with one.
Electrical burns are different
An electrical burn isn’t just what you see on the skin.
Electricity enters the body at one point, but it travels through. That means there may be:
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An entry wound
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An exit wound (often around the feet or lower body)
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Internal effects you can’t see
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Potential impact on the heart
That’s why electrical burns almost always require medical assessment.
Danger first – always
Before anything else: D for Danger.
With electrical injuries especially, your safety comes first.
That means:
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Isolate the electricity
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Turn off power at the source if safe
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Do not approach high-voltage cables
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Call emergency services and provide clear location details
The instinct to run in is strong, but with electricity, that could make you the next casualty.
So how do you treat a burn?
Once it’s safe to approach, the treatment is the same basic principle as other burns:
Cool it under running water for at least 20 minutes.
Not ice, not freezing water, not burns gel first.
Water.
Burns gels are useful if running water isn’t available, but cooling is the priority.
If you’re outdoors and water is limited, covering the burn loosely with cling film can help protect it while cooling.
Remove restrictions – but don’t rip clothing off
If safe to do so:
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Remove rings, watches, bracelets (swelling can happen quickly)
But if clothing is stuck to the burn, leave it in place. Pulling it away can cause further damage.
When does a burn need medical attention?
The team use the acronym SCALD to help assess severity:
S – Size
More than 1% of the body (roughly the size of the casualty’s palm)
C – Cause
Electrical and chemical burns always need medical attention.
A – Age
Young children and older adults – err on the side of caution.
L – Location
Face, hands, feet, genitals, airway, or burns encircling a limb.
D – Depth
Full thickness burns (white, waxy, or charred appearance) require urgent care.
Remember – severe burns may not always be the most painful.
If you take one thing away…
Put it under running water, cool it, for 20 minutes.
That one action alone can significantly reduce tissue damage.
Explore more with Onelife
If you found this helpful, you can explore more Trainer’s Corner videos on our website or YouTube channel.
We also share practical, real-life first aid advice on our In Case of Emergency podcast.
If you’d like to build confidence in situations like this, take a look at our range of first aid courses delivered in Exeter and across the South West.
