What is true regarding high voltage electrical injuries?

High voltage electrical injuries can lead to severe systemic complications due to the extensive damage that electricity can cause within the body. Unlike low voltage injuries, high voltage injuries often result in deep tissue injury, affecting not just the skin but also underlying muscles, nerves, and organs.

The physiological effects can extend beyond the site of injury, as electricity can disrupt normal cardiac function, potentially leading to arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening conditions. Additionally, high voltage injuries might cause myoglobinuria due to muscle damage, which can subsequently lead to acute kidney injury. Loss of bodily fluids and disruption in electrolyte balance can further complicate the clinical picture, leading to shock and systemic inflammatory responses.

In contrast, superficial burns are typically associated with lower voltage injuries, and the severity of injuries is usually minimal in those cases. High voltage injuries are not limited to superficial effects on the skin; they often present a complex array of complications requiring prompt and comprehensive medical interventions. Understanding this aspect is essential for medical professionals in assessing and managing patients who suffer from electrical injuries.