Electric Shock- Safety Measures And First Aid

It usually involves accidental contact with exposed parts of electric circuits in home appliances and domestic power supplies. It may also result from lightening or contact with high voltage wires. Severe electric shock commonly causes unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis, cardiac disorder etc.

Safety Measures

1. Turn off the main electricity supply before starting any work.

2. Do not handle any switches, plugs or appliances with wet hands.

3. Do not overload sockets with adaptors.

4. Make sure that your electrical appliances and home wiring are in good working order.

5. Naked wire should be covered properly.

6. Replace loose connections and fit correct fuse.

7. Remember to turn off sockets when not in use.

First Aid

1. Turn the electricity supply off at the main point. Do not touch the victim until you have done this.

2. If you cannot turn the current off, use a dry implement made of non-conductive materials to separate the casualty from the ‘live’ apparatus.

3. Make sure that you and the patient are in a safe place.

4. When the victim is free, check his breath. He may need artificial respiration.

5. Care should be provided for spinal injuries, fracture and burns.

6. Cool the burnt areas and apply dry sterilized dressing to the burnt sites.

7. Do not allow crowd to gather around him.

8. Keep the victim warm and comfortable.

9. If the victim’s heart stops beating then give him heart massage.

10. If the victim is in sense, provide him hot tea, milk, and other liquid.

11. Transport as soon as possible to hospital for medical help.