Electrical Shock First Aid
Main Aim:
The primary goal of electrical shock first aid is to
prevent further injury and provide immediate care
to someone who has been shocked. It also aims to stabilize the personuntil emergency medical help arrives.
Immediate action can prevent severe burns, cardiac arrest, or other complications.
When to Use:
You should apply first aid for electrical shock whenever someone is exposed to an
electric current and experiences symptoms such as:
- Burns (entry or exit wounds)
- Muscle contractions
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
Important:Always call for emergency medical help firstv
especially if the person shows signs of severe injury or if the situation seems life-threatening.
Steps to Perform:
Do not touch the victim if they are still in contact with electricity.
Turn off the power source (switch off the circuit breaker or unplug the device).
If turning off power is not possible, use a dry, non-conductive object (like a
wooden stick or rubber gloves) to push the victim away from the source.
Look for responsiveness (shake them gently and ask if they can hear you).
If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR immediately.
For Burns: Cool burns with running water for at least 10 minutes.
For Heart Issues: If the victim has no pulse,continue CPR until medical professionals arrive.
For Muscle Spasms or Weakness: Keep the victim lying down and reassure them.
For Loss of Consciousness: Place the victim in the recovery position if breathing normally.
Prevention to Avoid Electrical Shock:
Use insulated tools and wear protective gear when working with electricity.
Keep electrical appliances away from water (e.g., do not use hairdryers near bathtubs).
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electric shock.
Do not overload electrical outlets or use damaged wires.
Educate children about electrical hazards and keep outlets covered.
Avoid touching electrical equipment with wet hands.
For more information