High voltage electrical burns are one of the most devastating injuries seen in emergency rooms. They are caused by passage of electricity over 1000V through the body, and can cause direct burns from joule heating and arcs, as well as secondary mechanical injuries. Peculiarities include shock from contact or proximity, unilateral current flow through tissues, and frequent association with other traumatic injuries. The risk is greater occupationally. Epidemiological studies find high voltage burns account for 29-67% of all electrical burns.

1. High Voltage electrical Burns
Alumona C. O

2. INTRODUCTION
• Passage of high voltage electricity through the
body
• One of the most devastating form of injuries
seen in the emergency room
• Actual injuries are more than the obvious

3. • Classification
– High Voltage: >1000VAC or 1500VDC
– Low Voltage: <1000VAC or 1500VDC
• Mechanism of injury
– Joule heating
– Arc/Flash burns
– Secondary mechanical injuries

4. Peculiarities of HV electrical burns
• Electric shock by contact and proximity
• Less likely to cause local tetani
• Unilateral flow through tissues
• Mostly an occupational hazard
• Most likely to be associated with secondary
mechanical injuries

5. Physics
• Voltage
• Current
• Resistance
V=IR

6. Epidemiology
• 2.8-4.6% of burns injury (one-third due high
voltage)
– 29% due to high voltages, 4% from lightning
(Opara KO etal)
– 67% (Olugbenga and Kadin)