Symptoms of electric shock

The typical symptoms of an electric shock include:

• Unconsciousness
• Difficulties in breathing or no breathing at all
• A weak, erratic pulse or no pulse at all
• Burns, particularly entrance and exit burns (where the electricity entered and left the body)
• Sudden onset of cardiac arrest.

Sometimes victims of electric shock may appear to be unhurt, but they should still be treated as a victim of electric shock. Some injuries and further complications may not yet be obvious. An examination in hospital is important after any electric shock.