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Effective Ways To Deal With Electric Shocks & Electrocution

By Dhwani Jerajani +2 more

Source

Ways you could Accidentally Shock or Electrocute Yourself

Despite all our efforts to stay safe, there are some scary incidents of electric shocks and electrocution that we may encounter. Although accidental, it can still pose a serious threat to our health. Here are some ways you could electrocute yourself:

Electric Shocks

  • Pulling out the Cord instead of the Plug – Sometimes when charging our devices or using electronics like straighteners and laptops, we try to unplug the device by pulling at the cords instead of simply grabbing the plug. This is a potential health hazard and can lead to electric shocks or even worse, electrocution.  
  • Not Being Aware of Frayed Wires – The wires used in appliances are usually coated with rubber to provide a protective layer. Using electronics where the rubber coating has worn off exposing the frayed wires is a recipe for disaster causing electrocution or electric shocks.  
  • Using Electronics with Wet Hands – How many times have we switched off the lights of our washroom immediately after washing our hands without even caring to dry them up first? It’s never a good call to mix electronics with water and can easily cause electric shocks and electrocution.

Always Check the Fuse – So the lights in your house are out and you are frantically trying to repair them but have you checked the power switch? Is it on or off? Make sure that before you proceed with your electrical repairs, you switch off the power. A small mistake can lead to huge catastrophes.

Electric shocks demand swift attention due to their potentially severe nature, making it crucial to seek immediate help. Even if the shock appears minor, consulting a doctor is advised to rule out any concealed injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

1. Keep Calm

Panicking won’t help anyone, neither will screaming. As soon you become aware of the situation, take a deep breath and deal with the situation.

2. Establish a safe area

If the electric shock victim is in contact with the live apparatus, the electric power source must be isolated before attempting to attend to the victim. Secure the site of the accident to prevent injury to other people.

An individual that has experienced an electrical injury/shock may present with a variety of complaints or issues, and these may include cardiac arrhythmia or arrest, respiratory arrest, coma, blunt trauma, or an assortment of burns, immediate medical attention is recommended in such individuals.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

3. Assess the condition and stabilize the victim

The victim is to be assessed and rendered the necessary first aid treatment. Where required, apply basic life support:

Danger

Responsive

Send for help

Airway

Breaths

Compressions

Defibrillator

If no pulse is detected, continue CPR till medical personnel arrives.

4.  Check for Other Injuries

If there is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate the wound if it is an arm or a leg. Check for fractures if the electric shock caused the person to fall.

The higher the current and voltage associated with AC or DC, the greater the electrical damage will be. Remove the patient from the source of electricity (shut off the power source).
Remove the patient’s clothing, especially any metal that is in contact with the body (jewelry or equipment). CPR can be given if no heart rate till ambulance arrives.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

5.  When to Seek Medical Care

For high-voltage shocks (over 500 volts or a lightning strike), call 108. If you or the patient is unsure of the voltage exposure, seek medical care.
Following a low-voltage shock, call the doctor or go to an emergency room for the following reasons:

  • If it has been more than 5 years since the affected person’s last  tetanus booster
  • Burns that are not healing well
  • Burns with increasing redness, soreness or drainage
  • Any electric shock if a woman is more than 20 weeks’  pregnant
  • Any noticeable burn to the skin
  • Any period of unconsciousness
  • Any numbness, tingling, paralysis, vision, hearing or speech problems
  • Any other worrisome symptoms or signs

6. At The Hospital

ECG, blood tests might be required. Remain calm at all times while dealing with doctors or nurses. A doctor will check the person for burns, fractures, dislocations and other injuries.

Fun fact:

Source

Devices such as a  joy buzzer  and most other machines in  amusement parks  today only use vibration that feels somewhat like an electric shock to someone not expecting it.

Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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