Electrocution_laura
- 1. By Laura Simonetta First Aid of Electrocution
- 2. Electrocution Caused by faulty or misuse of electrical appliances. When an electrical voltage comes in contact with the body. The current may cause either tissue damage or fibrillation
- 3. Signs and Symptoms SIGNS An entry and exit wound Source of electrical volts or appliances Burning smell Smoke SYMPTOMS Irregular or no heartbeat Pain Numbness Muscular pain/contractions Headache Unconsciousness
- 4. Management Check for danger, to yourself, bystanders and casualty. Call ambulance and authorities to turn off electricity- if the current cannot be turned off non-conductive objects can be used (such as a broom or chair) to move the victim away from electrical current. Do not attempt a rescue if victim is near high voltage lines. Once danger is overted begin checking victims vitals (airway and breathing). If the vital signs are lost immediately commence CPR. In the case of a burn do not remove any clothing that is adhered to victim. Cool the burned area with cold running water for at least ten minutes- treat with first aid of a burn.
- 5. Electrocution will always result in an entry and exit wound depending on severity of voltage contact. (Hand to foot, arm to arm etc) the wounds must be treated according to wound first aid, and it is safest to have them checked by medical professionals, even if minor. If only a minor electrocution and the victim is not unconscious or dazed medical professionals do not need to be called in the emergency, but on monitoring the victim if they do act somewhat disoriented it is best to seek medical advice. If victim is suffering from shock after accident, have them placed in the shock position- legs raised approximately half a meter from the ground.
- 6. DO NOT Touch a person who is being electrocuted. Cover victim’s burns in oils or ointments or adhesive bandages. Touch the skin of victim in contact with voltage source. Move a victim of electrical injury unless immediate danger. Remove blisters or dead skin from a victim who has acquired burns.
- 7. Bibliography Royal Life Saving First Aid (Copyright 2006) by John Lippmann and David Natoli Preliminary PDHPE: First Aid http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000053.htm Updated 8/9/07 by Eric Perez, MD Department of Emergency Medicine, NY