What happens to the body during an electric shock?

When a person comes into contact with an electric energy source, various physiological reactions occur in the body due to the flow of electricity. This contact can disrupt normal electrical signals in the body, particularly those that control muscles and the heart, leading to potential injuries or harmful effects. Depending on the voltage and duration of the contact, the consequences can range from minor discomfort to severe injury, unconsciousness, or even death.

Understanding electric shocks involves recognizing that the body's response is not always immediate or obvious; the flow of electrical current can cause muscle contractions, potentially rendering the person unable to move, which would relate to immobilization but is not the defining characteristic of the event itself. Thus, identifying the initial contact with an electric energy source as the critical factor lays the groundwork for understanding the subsequent effects, including potential loss of consciousness and temporary immobilization.