A client has burn injuries from an electrical current. Which interventions would be used as first aid until the client is transferred to a health care facility?

A client has burn injuries from an electrical current. Which interventions would be used as first aid until the client is transferred to a health care facility?

• A. Leave the adherent clothing in place.
• B. Wrap the client in a dry, clean sheet.
• C. Remove as much burned clothing as possible.
• D. Cover the burns with ice.

Answer: (A)

Electrical burns can cause deep tissue damage that isn’t visible on the surface, and clothing can become fused to the skin from the heat. If clothing is adherent to the burned area, do not try to peel it off. Removing it can tear away skin, worsen the injury, and cause more bleeding. Keeping the adherent clothing in place protects the underlying tissue until professional help can assess and safely remove it if needed. In the meantime, ensure the person is away from the electrical source, monitor for airway, breathing, and circulation, keep them warm, and cover the burned area with a clean, dry dressing to reduce contamination while awaiting transfer.

Electrical burns can cause deep tissue damage that isn’t visible on the surface, and clothing can become fused to the skin from the heat. If clothing is adherent to the burned area, do not try to peel it off. Removing it can tear away skin, worsen the injury, and cause more bleeding. Keeping the adherent clothing in place protects the underlying tissue until professional help can assess and safely remove it if needed. In the meantime, ensure the person is away from the electrical source, monitor for airway, breathing, and circulation, keep them warm, and cover the burned area with a clean, dry dressing to reduce contamination while awaiting transfer.