Electrocution, also known as electric shock, is one of the most serious accidents that exist for human life, since when the current passes through the heart, it often kills by fibrillation of the ventricles of the heart. Not to mention that when the electric current passes along the body, it can kill by paralysis of the respiratory center, even causing a previous shock.
For this reason, in this article we show you what is the first aid for someone who has been electrocuted and what to do in case of electrocution.
WHAT IS FIRST AID IN CASE OF ELECTROCUTION?
The application of first aid in case of electrocution is as follows:
The first action to be taken when a person is being electrocuted is remove the injured person from contact with the current. If the electrocuted person is still in contact with the electrical device or conductor that caused the accident, he or she must be freed in one of the following ways:
- a) In a building, turn off the main electric switch, which is the one that every building has or should have, or remove the fuses.
- b) If there is no way to cut off the current, the person must be separated from the wire or electrical appliance, taking all necessary precautions so that the person does not become the victim of an electric shock.
- Remember that any wet object is a good conductor of electricity, and any metal as well. On the other hand, dry wood, rubber, dry clothes or dry papers do not conduct electricity.
- If possible, place yourself on a dry board or a chair with four legs placed on plates or pieces of glass, and try to separate the wire from the injured person with a long, dry stick, passing under the patient or the wire or with the help of sticks, dry clothes or a dry rope or a dry leather belt, to pull. If possible, use dry gloves and take the objects with a woolen cloth or silk handkerchief. When there are two wires in contact with the accident, you can try to establish a short circuit between the two wires by placing a wire, a piece of iron or something wet in contact with both of them. When doing this, be careful not to touch the wires directly or indirectly.
- Some people recommend that when the wire is in contact with the ground and cannot be separated from the accident, you should cut it with a long wooden-handled axe, turning the face up, as this will produce a spark. You can cut it with special electrician's pliers (insulated).
Once the power is disconnected, first aid for an electrocuted person is as described below.
If the patient is breathing and a pulse is felt:
- Loosen the collar and any other clothing that restricts the chest.
- Lay the casualty down with his head lower than his feet (raise the feet of the bed, or place pillows under the hips and legs) in a cool, ventilated place. Keep him lying down until he has good color and pulse.
- Loosen any clothing that impedes circulation.
- Stimulate circulation and breathing by various means: gently patting the face or soles of the feet, wetting the face with cold water, or gently hitting it with a towel soaked in cold water, having him inhale aromatic salts or aromatic spirit of ammonia. (In the absence of anything else, you can have him inhale a cotton ball or handkerchief soaked in alcohol or cologne.)
- If he is conscious, or if he has lost consciousness, do not let him get up, as he may faint.
- Have him taken to a hospital in an ambulance, as shock may occur secondarily.
- Perform CPR immediately, even if the patient appears dead. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions should be performed, if necessary, for hours, until rigor mortis appears.
- If the patient begins to breathe and does so normally, check for other injuries (fractures if the patient has fallen, burns at the site of contact with the current, and treat them as explained in each of the articles).
- Wrap the patient up and treat him as explained above for the patient who is breathing.
- If the patient does not have a pulse, perform closed chest compressions in addition to artificial respiration.
HOW TO AVOID ELECTROCUTION ACCIDENTS
To avoid accidents due to electrocution, you can follow these suggestions:
- Never touch the inside of plugs or receptacles. When changing electric lamps, touch only the insulated porcelain edge or the plastic material and glass of the electric bulb. Of course, the corresponding light switch will be off, but even so, you cannot be absolutely certain that there cannot be contact, and it is better to take all precautions.
- Never pick up an electrical appliance with wet hands or if the floor is wet or if you are in contact with water taps or pipes, central heating radiators, etc.
- You should also not touch electrical switches or any electrical appliance while you are in the bathtub or tub.
- While talking on the phone, it is wise not to touch electrical appliances or taps or faucets, radiators or other elements that could be good conductors of electricity.
- Keep electrical appliances in good condition, having those that produce electric shocks or have cables that have lost their protective coating repaired.
- When carrying metal items, be careful that they do not touch any overhead wires.
- It is not advisable to touch poles carrying electrical conductors when they are wet.
- Do not step on or touch fallen wires during a storm without being sure that they are not in contact with a conductor cable somewhere along their path.
- Electrical protectors (differential circuit breakers) are now available which, installed in the home or commercial or industrial establishment, immediately interrupt the electrical current if there is a risk of electrocution or short circuit. Their use is highly recommended.
