Electrical Injuries / Shock - The effect and Management

ELECTRICAL INJURIES / SHOCK

If any part of the body comes in contact with a 'live' wire, which is exposed and not covered by insulator, or with a cable or rail in which current is leaking, a person gets an electric shock. In houses the blowing out of switches or fuses of faulty electrical connections can cause much injury. The injury may be quite mild or so severe as to cause immediate death. Electrical shock is produced only when an electric current passes through the human body, which is in contact with earth. It passes even more quickly if the part is wet.

In wet conditions even lower voltage may be dangerous. A very strong current passing to earth through lower limbs may be less dangerous than a weaker current passing through the chest, especially so, when it enters the hands and arms.

High voltage industrial (power) current can jump 16-18 meters and kill the rescuer. Therefore, do not approach the casualty till the switch has been turned off. These currents not only cause local damage but affect the respiratory and cardiac centers. They produce, therefore, superficial or deep burns including charring, but also cause stoppage of breathing and heart beat.

The effect of Electric Shock

There may be fatal paralysis of heart.

There may be sudden stoppage of breathing due to paralysis of muscles used in breathing:

Heart may continue to beat, while breathing has stopped. In this condition the face appears blue.

There may be burns, either superficial or deep. They depend on the strength of the electric current causing the injuries.

Management

Intelligent and prompt action is required if the first aider is not cautious. He may also receive severe electric shock or even die along with the casualty.

If the casualty is still in contact with the source, switch off the current. If the switch is not to be found, remove the plug or cut off the current by breaking the wire. Before cutting off the current, ensure that you stand on a dry piece of wooden board. Do not use scissors or knife.