13 of 2024 | |
14 of 2024 |
Electrical injury refers to physical damage caused by an electric current passing through the body or going across the body surface. This can occur as a result of a person coming into contact with an electrical energy source.
This SOP covers both the effects of lightning, and injury due to electric shock/electrocution from a man-made source.
This diagnosis is made based on the history and clinical manifestations and can be made by any treating doctor.
The relevant medical specialist is a general or emergency physician.
* another SOP applies
Clinical onset will generally be at the time of injury (exposure to electric current). Although the relevant injuries occur at the time of the exposure they may not become clinically apparent until hours or up to some days later.
The only worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. Any such inability would generally relate to treatment in the immediate aftermath of the injury.
Links
[1] https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2024C00041
[2] https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2024C00043
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/RMA%20SOP%20Bulletin%20240.pdf