What to Watch for if Your Child Gets Shocked

An electrical shock can be a minor issue or it can be a devastating injury, depending on the voltage. Sometimes a child is shocked and you don't even know about it. Perhaps he stuck a toy in an outlet and didn't want to get in trouble, or he doesn't realize what happened. Knowing what signs and symptoms indicate an electrical shock can help you get prompt medical care for your child. Even if you only suspect a shock, getting it checked out is a good safety measure.

  1. Breathing

    • If your child has been shocked, she may have trouble breathing and could go into cardiac arrest. If your child stops breathing, but still has a pulse, immediately call 911 and begin CPR, advises Parents magazine. If someone is with you, have that person call for emergency help while you administer rescue breathing. Even if your child is breathing, it's important to monitor her because she could stop breathing even if the electrical shock occurred minutes to hours before. If at any time she has trouble breathing or stops altogether, call 911 and perform CPR until help arrives.

    Physical Symptoms

    • Even if you're child is breathing after an electrical shock, his skin may be unusually pale and he might have burns on his body. Sometimes burns appear minor, when they actually go deep into the skin. A burn is often localized to the area where the current enters your child's body, his mouth or fingers for example, but since the current travels through his entire body, it can cause burns on other areas as well. A broken bone can sometimes occur with a serious electrical shock and your child can also experience numbness, tingling and muscle spasms. Medical attention is necessary for any of these symptoms.

    Behavior

    • After an electrical shock, your child may act differently. She might lose consciousness and could have trouble seeing and hearing. Sometimes a shock causes seizures and trouble swallowing, which you'll notice by the way your child acts. Anytime you notice behavioral changes after being shocked, get medical care for your child right away.

    Internal Damage

    • Even if your child seems fine and doesn't display any signs that he's been shocked, internal damage is still a possibility. You won't be able to detect this on your own, so anytime your child is shocked, take him to the pediatrician or emergency room to get checked out. A doctor can run tests to look for internal burns or ruptures, which need treatment for proper healing and to prevent future problems.

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