Electrical Injuries: Clinical Presentation, Pathophysiology, and Multidisciplinary Management in Emergency Medicine, Paramedics, Pharmacy, Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Radiologic Technology, and Environmental Health Practice

Abstract

Background: Electrical injuries are a distinct form of trauma caused by the passage of electrical energy through or around the human body. They differ from thermal and mechanical injuries due to their ability to affect multiple organ systems simultaneously. The severity ranges from minor cutaneous burns to fatal cardiac arrest and irreversible neurological damage. These injuries remain a significant cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in both domestic and occupational settings. Aim: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of electrical injuries, including classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, management, complications, prognosis, and preventive strategies within a multidisciplinary healthcare context. Methods: A structured narrative review approach was used to synthesize current evidence from clinical literature, emergency medicine guidelines, burn care protocols, and multidisciplinary healthcare practice sources. Data were analyzed across emergency medicine, paramedicine, pharmacy, laboratory diagnostics, radiology, public health, and rehabilitation sciences to construct an integrated clinical framework. Results: Electrical injuries are classified into flash, flame, lightning, and true electrical injuries. Pathophysiological effects are governed by voltage, current type, tissue resistance, and exposure duration. Clinical manifestations include arrhythmias, respiratory arrest, burns, rhabdomyolysis, neurological deficits, and psychological sequelae. Evaluation requires ECG monitoring, laboratory testing including CK and renal function, and targeted imaging. Management involves airway protection, resuscitation, fluid therapy, burn care, and early surgical consultation. Complications include compartment syndrome, acute kidney injury, and long-term neurological and psychological disorders. Multidisciplinary care improves survival and functional outcomes. Conclusion: Electrical injuries require rapid systemic assessment and coordinated multidisciplinary management due to their hidden internal severity and unpredictable clinical course.