How to do First Aid in Electrical Injuries Situation

Being First Aid in Electrical Injuries

When a person is electrocuted, the passage of electrical current through the body may stun the casualty, causing breathing and even the heart to stop. the current may cause burns both where it enters the body and both where it enters the body and where it leaves the body to go to "earth". Alternating current also causes muscle spasms that often prevent the casualty from letting go of an electric cable, so the casualty may still be "live"when first aider come on the scene.

Lightning

A natural burst of electricity discharge from the atmosphere, lightning forms an intense trail of light and hear that seeks contact with the ground through the nearest tall feature in the landscape, and possibly, anyone standing by it.

A lightning strike may set clothing on fire and knock the casualty down. Occasionally, it may cause instant death. clear everyone from the site of lightning strike as soon as possible.

High-Voltage Current

Contact with high-voltage current, found in power lines and overhead high-tension (HT) cable, is usually immediately fatal. Severe burn always result. The sudden muscular spams produced by the shock may propel the casualty some distance, causing injuries such as fractures.

High-voltage electricity may jump ("are") up to 18 meters (20 yards). Materials such as dry wood or clothing will not protect you. The power must be cut off and isolated before first aider approach the casualty. This is crucial where railway overhead power lines are damaged.

Low-Voltage Current

Domestic current, as used in homes, offices, workshops, and shops, can cause serious injury, and even death. many injuries result from faulty switches, frayed flex, or defects within a appliance itself. Young children are especially at risk.

First Aider must be aware of the hazards of water, which is dangerously efficient conductor of electricity. handling an otherwise safe appliance with wet hands, or when standing on a wet floor, greatly increases the risk of a shock.

Action

DO NOT touch the casualty if he is in contact with the electrical current; he will be "live" and first aider will risk of electrocution.

DO NOT use anything metallic to push away the electrical source.

Break the contact by switching off the current, at the mains or meter point if it can be reached easily. Otherwise, remove the plug or wrenched the cable free.

IF first aider is unable to reach the cable, socket, or mains, follow this procedure.

• Stand on dry insulting material such as a wooden box, a rubber or plastic mat, a telephone directory or a thick pile of newspaper. Push the casualty's limbs away from the source with a broom, wooden chair or stool, or push the source away from the casualty, whichever is the easier.
• Without touching the casualty, loop rope around his feet or under the arms and pull him away from the source.
• If absolutely necessary, pull the casualty free by fulling at his loose, dry clothing. \do this only as a last resort.

IF the casualty is unconscious, open the airway, check breathing and pulse, and be ready to resuscitate if necessary. Place him in the recovery position. Cool any burns with cold water.

Dial emergency number for an ambulance.

IF the casualty seems to be unharmed, he should be advised to rest. Observe him closely and, if in doubt, call a doctor.

IF THE HEART STOP

Apply the ABC of resuscitation until a normal heartbeat returns or specific medical treatment is given. If trained, a blow with the heel of a hand on the centre of the chest may help, but this should be tried only twice.