Yes, 20,000 volts can hurt you, but the danger depends more on the current (amps) (which is determined by voltage and your body's resistance) and the duration, not just the voltage; high voltage like static shocks (20,000+ volts) are usually harmless because the current is tiny and brief, while lower voltages with sufficient current, like household outlets, are dangerous because they can drive lethal current through the body.
As a standard, voltages above 2700V or 11,000V are considered a lethal dose of electrical current, causing severe damage to the human body.
Notice that in this condition, 20 volts is enough to produce a current of 20 milliamps through a person; enough to induce tetanus. Remember, it has been suggested a current of only 17 milliamps may induce ventricular (heart) fibrillation.
At 240 volts this current could vary between 240 thousandths of an amp. shortened to 240 milliamps and 80 milliamps. The first effect of such a shock is for the hands - ( if gripping the live metal ) - to close due to muscular contraction and prevent the hand being removed even though it is very painful.
Can an electric shock from a plug kill you? Yes, but it doesn't happen very often. In the U.S., electrical outlets are on 120-volt circuits (240-volt circuits for larger appliances like clothes dryers). That's enough to cause serious injury or death under the right circumstances.
Electric Shock Treatment Self-Care at Home
Brief low-voltage shocks that do not result in any symptoms or burns of the skin do not require care. For any high-voltage shock, or for any shock resulting in burns, seek care at a hospital's emergency department.
When an electric shock victim goes into cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation, it is important to call for emergency medical support (EMS) and start CPR within 4 minutes and continue CPR until rescue crews arrive. Brain damage and even death can occur if the blood flow is not reestablished within 4 minutes.
After calling 911 or your local emergency number, take the following steps right away:
Whether you need to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional depends on the severity of the shock. If you have any electrocution symptoms, such as seizure, loss of consciousness, an irregular heartbeat, or erratic pulse, call 911 and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital immediately.
The survival of the person depends solely on the efficiency and rapidity of medical treatment, especially as the liver is the first organ affected by an electric shock and should be evaluated first.
Electric shock refers to a non-fatal electrical injury, whereas electrocution describes a fatal electrical injury.
It is the energy that kills you, energy is proportional to U^2, thus 220 is more dangerous, during same duration of time. 110v is overall safer to use than 220v. In the UK 110v is used as temporary power to building sites because it is less deadly.
An electrical shock may cause burns, or it may leave no visible mark on the skin. In either case, an electrical current passing through the body can cause damage inside the body, cardiac arrest or other injury.
It is sometimes suggested that human lethality is most common with alternating current at 100–250 volts; however, death has occurred below this range, with supplies as low as 42 volts.
The darts are connected to the main unit by thin wires that achieve a high dielectric strength and durability given the extremely high-voltage electric current they conduct (typically 50,000 volts, or 2,000 volts under load), which can be delivered in short-duration pulses from a core of copper wire in the main unit.
If you have suffered an electrical shock (or you know someone who has) contact emergency services immediately or go to the emergency room at the hospital. Electrical shocks are very dangerous – even if someone appears to be fine, there could be internal damage.
A minor electric shock might feel like a zap you get from static electricity or intense pins and needles – but it is the feeling of electric current running through your body. Even if it feels very minor, it's not safe and you need to do something about it.
When a shock occurs, the victim may be dazed or may experience amnesia, seizure or respiratory arrest. Long-term damage to the nerves and the brain will depend on the extent of the injuries and may develop up to several months after the shock. This type of damage can also cause psychiatric disorders.
What are the 4 stages of shock? The four stages are initial, compensatory, progressive, and refractory. In the initial stage, cells are deprived of oxygen but symptoms may be subtle. The compensatory stage sees the body trying to maintain blood pressure and perfusion through faster heart rate and breathing.
If you do not call an ambulance, always take someone who has been shocked to the nearest hospital emergency department for assessment. Even if you cannot see a physical injury, an electric shock might cause internal damage.
Coping With Emotional Shock
Daramus suggests some strategies that can help you cope with emotional shock and restore your sense of equilibrium: Surround yourself with supportive people. Go somewhere where you feel safe. Make sure you eat and stay hydrated.
Chest compression mimics heart contractions and mouth-to-mouth mimics breathing, by delivering oxygen to the lungs via the mouth. CPR is the second link in the Chain of Survival. It is the link that can buy life-saving time between the first (early access to emergency care) and third link (early defibrillation).
Someone in shock needs fluids fast or they can die. If the person is awake and can drink fluids, help them drink. Also, if you know how, you can start an intravenous drip (IV). In an emergency, an enema can be used instead (see below).
Your first priority is to open the casualty's airway and check for breathing. Open the airway by lifting the chin and tilting the head back. This will free the tongue from the back of the throat. If you are unable to open the casualty's airway in their current position, roll them onto their back.