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ELECTRIC SHOCK

Overview

  • Injuries caused when electric current passes through body
  • Source may be natural or man-made

What happens during electric shock?

  • Makes you fall down
  • Muscle contraction
  • Seizures
Seizures Brain on Electric Shock
  • Dehydration
  • Burns 
  • Fractures
Fractures on Electric Shock
  • Clotting of blood
  • Tissue death (narcosis)
  • Respiratory/Heart/Kidney failure
Kidney Affected Electric Shock

Steps to follow

  • Do not attempt to move the victim from current source
  • First step is to switch off the current source
  • Otherwise, move the source using a wooden stick 
  • Attend to the victim
  • Check for breathing
  • No breathing, do Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Call emergency medical aid
  • If breathing, do a physical examination 
Breathing for First Aid
  • Treat for minor burns
  • Re-establish vital functions
  • Excessive burns may require hospitalization/ surgery
  • Supportive care must be provided

Prevention

  • Proper design, installation, maintenance of electric devices 
  • Educating the public regarding electrical devices
  • Keep electrical gadgets out of children’s reach 
  • Learn to respect electricity and electrical devices