FIRST AID - ELECTRIC SHOCK

FIRST AID - ELECTRIC SHOCK

The human body is an efficient conductor of electricity. When a casualty receives an electric shock from a power line, the electricity is conducted through the body. A casualty may receive significant burns or the electric shock may interfere with the heart’s electrical system. Burns to the casualty may be greater than they appear on the surface.

When attending a casualty exposed to electricity, DANGER is the priority. Be alert for danger to yourself and to other rescuers, and approach the scene with caution.

VOLTAGE

Be alert for danger! It is urgent that the casualty be disconnected from the electrical source, either by:

• Turning off the power supply and disconnecting the electricity supply
• Removing the casualty from the electrical source by separation with non-conducting materials, eg. wooden stick or board, rope, or blanket.

Be careful not to touch the casualty’s skin before the electrical source is disconnected, and be alert for the presence of water or conducting materials, which may be in contact.

HIGH VOLTAGE

• Damaged high voltage sources can cause the entire scene of an accident to become ‘live’, especially where water or other materials are in contact with the electricity. Protect yourself and others.
• When high voltage electricity is involved in an accident, DO NOT touch the casualty until the scene has been declared safe by the relevant electrical authorities. DO NOT approach the scene if you feel any unusual sensations.
• The tyres insulate people inside a car with fallen power lines across them,so tell them to stay inside the car and not to jump out.
• Ensure that all bystanders do not approach the scene and remain at least six meters away from the nearest suspected energized material.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Difficult, or absent breathing
• Absent, weak or irregular pulse
• Evidence of burns
• Evidence of fractures
• Entrance and exit wound burns
• Collapse and unconsciousness

TREATMENT

• Call for an ambulance
• Inform electrical authorities if high voltage involved
• If in respiratory arrest - commence EAR
• If in cardiac arrest - commence CPR
• Cool and cover burns with non-adherent dressings
• Reassurance