ELECTRICAL SHOCK

ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Electrical shock is an injury is caused by an electrical current passing through the body.

Factors that determine the form and severity of injury:

·         The type and magnitude of current

·         The resistance of body  at the point of contact- different tissues in the body will offer different resistance,

·         The current pathway through the body and the duration of current flow. 

·         AC is particularly three to five time more dangerous than DC.

·         What happens to a body subjected to electric shock 

Electrical Injuries

 

What happens to a body subjected to electric shock? 

·         Muscular contraction.

·         Shortness of breath,

·         Chest pain,

·         Abdominal pain.

·         Pain In A Hand Or Foot Or A Deformity Of A Part Of The Body MayIndicate A Possible Broken Bone Resulting From The Electric Shock.

·         Red or dark, charred appearance. 

·         Numbness

·         Tingling

·         Paralysis

·         Hearing Loss

·         Speech Problems

·         Shock  

When someone has been electrocuted:

First aid  

·         Call the doctor

·         Look first. Don't touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you.     

1.      Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from you and the affected person using a non conducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.  

2.      Check for breathing. Once the person is free of the source of electricity, ensure the person is breathing. If breathing has stopped or you suspect the person's airway is blocked, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

3.      When breathing. If the victim is unresponsive and breathing and circulation are normal, elevate his foot end by eight to twelve inches. Maintain the normal body temperature.

4.      Cover the affected areas. If the person is breathing, cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel. Fluffy fibers can be irritating.