Electric shock is an injury that could potentially prove to be fatal. But having taken safety measures to ensure health after one has been electrocuted can prevent that from happening.
Immediate medical attention is important to prevent severe injury and death. Here are the following safety measures you can take after experiencing an electric shock.
You may call the emergency if the person has been harmed or in a critical state caused by the electric shock.
Lay the Person Down, if Possible
- Elevate the person’s feet about 12 inches unless the head, neck, or back is injured or you suspect broken hip or leg bones.
- Do not raise the person’s head.
- Turn the person on the side if he or she is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.
- Wrap a towel or blanket around the person if possible.
Perform CPR, if Needed
If the person stops taking breaths or breathing appears perilous:
- Place the palm of your hand in the center of the person’s chest.
- Place your other hand on top of your first hand, binding fingers together.
- Keep arms upright and your shoulders directly above the hands.
- Push powerfully and quickly, pressing the person’s chest at least 2 inches.
- Let their chest rise completely before pushing down again.
- Compress at least 100 times per minute.
There are separate ways for performing CPR on children:
- For a baby, depress with two fingers on their chest bone about 1 1/2 inches, about 1/3 to 1/2 the intensity of the chest. For a child, weigh down about 2 inches or less.
- Continue performing CPR until an ambulance arrives or the person gains consciousness.
Check for Other Injuries
- If the person is bleeding, apply a force that’ll create tension and elevate the wound if it’s in a limb.
- If the person fell from the shock, there may be chances of a fracture or a broken bone.
Keep the Person Warm and Comfortable
- Loosen restrictive clothing.
- Cover with a coat or blanket.
- Keep the person still. Do not move the person unless there is a threat.
- Reassure the person.
- Do not let them eat or drink anything.
Dealing with Burns
Vulnerability to electric current may cause burns to the skin, and in drastic cases, the internal organs. The electricity can also cause ‘entry’ and ‘exit’ burns – for example, the current transmitting through the body entering through the hand and exiting via the feet.
- For burns, House the wound with sterile, non-adhesive dressings or a piece of clean fabric. Do not use butter, oil, lotions, or creams on the wound (especially if they include fragrance). Apply a petroleum-based balm two to three times per day.
For responsive casualties:
- Cool burns for at least 10 minutes under cold water
For unresponsive casualties:
- Cool the burn with wet bandages (or special burn dressings) after placing them in the recovery position.
DO NOT
- Burst any blisters
- Apply adhesive dressings
- Remove damaged skin
- Apply ointments/creams
- Cover with ‘fluffy’ dressings
- Affix dressings too tightly
- Use butter/margarine/fat or other items generally thought to cool burns
- Remove spoiled clothing
- Apply ice on the wound
Precautions are taken in time and not after electric shock. After all, the injury could be fatal and if you survive you can celebrate followed by introspection to avoid such risks in the future.