A pre-hospital physician is called to a patient who has been electrocuted by a high-voltage industrial power line. The patient is in VF cardiac arrest...

Question

A pre-hospital physician is called to a patient who has been electrocuted by a high-voltage industrial power line. The patient is in VF cardiac arrest. According to RCUK 2025 special circumstances guidelines, what must be assumed about this patient's injury pattern in addition to the cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Cervical spine injury must be assumed due to tetanic muscle contraction and potential for being thrown by the electrical force

Answer

Only burns at entry and exit points need to be considered

Answer

Abdominal visceral perforation from the electrical current

Answer

Pulmonary contusion from the blast effect is the primary concern

Answer

No additional injuries are likely - the electrical injury is isolated to the cardiac arrest

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): High-Voltage Electrocution