Emergency Response for Electric Shock Victims
Providing first aid for someone who has suffered an electric shock must be done quickly and correctly. Failure to administer the appropriate first aid can result in missing the “golden hour” to save the victim, and even if saved, the patient may still face significant complications.
1. What to do when providing first aid for an electric shock victim?
The first steps to take when providing first aid for an electric shock victim are:
- Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug any electrical devices.
- Use an insulating object, such as a dry wooden stick or plastic, to disconnect the victim from the electric current.
- If the victim is electrocuted at a height, prepare to catch them as they fall. In cases of unsafe electrical conditions, immediately report the situation to the power company for handling.
2. First aid for electric shock victims
After disconnecting the victim from the electrical source, the next steps depend on the victim’s condition:
2.1 If the victim has stopped breathing:
- Lay the victim on their back in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Loosen any tight clothing or belts, clear the victim’s mouth of any mucus, and begin CPR as follows:
– Place the palm of your hand on the lower third of the breastbone, keeping your arms straight and perpendicular to the chest, and perform chest compressions at a rate of 60-100 compressions per minute. Do not pause compressions for more than 10 seconds.
– Compress the chest to a depth of 4-6 cm.
– After 10 compressions, give one strong breath into the victim’s mouth.
- Continue this process without interruption and quickly transport the victim to the nearest hospital for advanced medical care.
2.2 If the victim is conscious, with pink skin and a strong pulse:
- Move the victim to a dry, well-ventilated area, allow them to recover, and transport them to a hospital for further monitoring and care.
- Keep the victim warm.
2.3 If the victim is unconscious:
- Pink skin, strong pulse, breathing normally: Move the victim to a dry, well-ventilated area, allow them to recover, and transport them to a hospital for further monitoring and care. Keep the victim warm.
- Weak breathing, intermittent breaths, pale skin, weak or absent pulse: Move the victim to a dry, well-ventilated area, allow them to recover, and transport them to a hospital for further monitoring and care. Keep the victim warm.
3. What not to do when providing first aid for an electric shock victim:
- Do not panic or lose composure.
- Do not touch the victim directly until you have ensured safe insulation.
- Do not apply herbal oils or ointments to the victim.
- Do not pour water or cover the victim with mud.
Proper and timely initial first aid for electric shock victims increases the chances of survival and reduces the risk of permanent injury. Immediately call the hospital for detailed instructions and quickly transport the victim to the nearest medical facility.
