Electrical Shock

Electric shock :

Electric shock occurs when an electric current flows through the body. The human body is made up of 60% to 70% water. This makes it a good conductor of electricity. Burns, damage to internal organs, heart rhythm problems, and death can result from electric shock.

Signs & Symptoms :

The danger from an electrical shock depends on the type of current, how high the voltage is, how the current traveled through the body, the person's overall health and how quickly the person is treated.

Call local emergency number immediately if any of these signs or symptoms occur:

• Cardiac arrest
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Respiratory failure
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Burns
• Seizures
• Numbness and tingling
• Unconsciousness

Causes :

Touching a high-voltage (more than 1,000 volts) source, such as high-tension wires that fall during a storm. Touching someone who is still touching a live current. Touching a low-voltage (less than 1,000 volts) current source, such as an electric socket or worn cord.

Mixing water and electricity.

Being struck by lightning. A bolt of lightning carries as many as 30 million volts.

Steps to follow :

• Do not attempt to move the victim from current source

• First step is to switch off the current source

• Otherwise, move the source using a wooden stick

• Attend to the victim

• Check for breathing

• No breathing, do Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

• Call emergency medical aid

• If breathing, do a physical examination

• Treat for minor burns

• Re-establish vital functions

• Excessive burns may require hospitalization/ surgery

• Supportive care must be provided

Caution :

• Don't touch the person with your bare hands if he or she is still in contact with the electrical current.
• Don't get near high-voltage wires until the power is turned off. Stay at least 20 feet away — farther if wires are jumping and sparking.
• Don't move a person with an electrical injury unless the person is in immediate danger.

Prevention :

• Proper design, installation, maintenance of electric devices

• Educating the public regarding electrical devices

• Keep electrical gadgets out of children’s reach

• Learn to respect electricity and electrical devices.