Electrical burns often have entry and exit points. Which location is commonly an exit point?

Electrical burns often have entry and exit points. Which location is commonly an exit point?

• A. Palm
• B. Sole of the foot
• C. Ear
• D. Nose

Answer: (B)

Electrical current travels through the body from where it enters to where it can complete the circuit to ground, following the path of least resistance. When a person is standing or grounded, the route often runs from the upper body down to the feet, making the sole of the foot a common exit point. The feet provide a large, moist contact area with the ground, which helps complete the circuit and discharge energy, so you’ll frequently see an exit burn there. An entry point might be the palm if someone touches a live conductor, but exiting through the ear or nose would require the current to pass through the head, which isn’t the usual path in typical electrical contact scenarios.

Electrical current travels through the body from where it enters to where it can complete the circuit to ground, following the path of least resistance. When a person is standing or grounded, the route often runs from the upper body down to the feet, making the sole of the foot a common exit point. The feet provide a large, moist contact area with the ground, which helps complete the circuit and discharge energy, so you’ll frequently see an exit burn there.

An entry point might be the palm if someone touches a live conductor, but exiting through the ear or nose would require the current to pass through the head, which isn’t the usual path in typical electrical contact scenarios.