Electric shock first aid algorithm

A person can get an electrical injury when exposed to natural phenomena or household electricity. The consequences may be different depending on the discharge passing through the body. Often a person's life depends on how soon first aid is provided for an electric shock. We must act quickly and correctly. For such situations, a first aid algorithm has been developed.

Consequences of electric shock

Our life without electrical appliances is no longer possible. If, before electrification, people and animals received electrical injuries only from the effects of natural electricity, then every year the number of victims of electricity at work and in everyday life is increasing.

The severity of the electrical injury

Depending on the severity of the injury, the first aid for electric shock will differ. Briefly, gravity injuries are divided:

• The first degree of severity. Loss of consciousness does not occur, but convulsions are possible.
• The second is accompanied by loss of consciousness.
• Third, breathing and heart function are disturbed.
• The fourth is the clinical death of the patient.

Effects of current on the body

Electric current, by its nature, acts on a living organism in a specific way. It affects a person depending on the strength and direction.

The action on the body is divided into:

• Heat - causes burns of varying degrees.
• Mechanical - stimulates muscle and nerve fibers. Provokes tissue separation and rupture.
• Electrochemical - polarizes and changes the movement of particles in living cells. Consequences - coagulation of tissue proteins and tissue necrosis.

The symptoms of the lesion are as follows:

• Chronic electrical injury occurs with constant or prolonged exposure of the body to the electric field of devices. Usually it is obtained while in the area of ​​operation of electric generators or similar devices. Memory impairment, poor sleep, headache and fatigue are signs of the disease.
• If the injury is minor, the person is able to describe their condition. It indicates where the current source touches. Usually there can be observed a burn in the form of a grayish spot. Photophobia, dizziness, headache, spots before the eyes - these are the complaints about the state of health.
• More severe trauma is accompanied by loss of consciousness or confusion. Hallucinations are possible, sensitivity to pain and temperature is lost. The burn is more pronounced. Sometimes the heart rhythm is disturbed.
• When receiving an electrical shock of special force, death may occur due to respiratory arrest. The rhythm of the heart is disrupted, it works chaotically due to fibrillation (fibrillation) of the ventricles. For this reason, breathing can stop again, and the heart cannot cope with the supply of oxygen to the organs.

Natural electricity damage

When lightning strikes a person a charge of several thousand amperes passes through his body. The degree of damage depends on the path of the discharge. Depending on the condition of the injured person, assistance with an electric shock of this strength may be as follows:

1. Call an ambulance right away. Provide first aid for electric shock before she arrives.
2. Conduct a quick examination of the victim. Assess the damage. Think about how to help.
3. Lay the injured person on their back. Place a soft object under your head. Provide free breathing: unbutton your clothes in the chest area, open the window.
4. If not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth (or mouth-to-nose) resuscitation prior to the arrival of medical personnel.
5. If cardiac arrest occurs, chest compressions should be performed at the same time.

To protect yourself from lightning strikes, it is enough to follow the rules of conduct during a thunderstorm:

• Do not hold things with metal parts in your hands (umbrellas with metal spokes, bicycle).
• Keep away from metal structures and power lines.
• Do not hide under tall trees or stand on high ground.
• Better to stay away from water (river, pond).
• Wet clothing is also a source of increased risk.

Actions in case of injury from electrical appliances

Electrical injuries from household appliances or exposed wires are common. In both cases, the actions for electric shock are the same. Everyone needs to know them. At any unexpected moment, this knowledge can come in handy.

You should proceed in this order:

1. Break the contact between the current source and the victim. If it is an electrical appliance, it is better to de-energize it. If this is not possible, push it back (with a dry stick, rubber object or other dielectric).
2. Lay the victim flat on his back.
3. Call an ambulance, phone 112.
4. Carry out resuscitation actions (if necessary).
5. If the injury is minor, treat the wound. Give pain relievers and sedatives.
6. Check for fractures. Immobilize broken limbs (splint).

Remember the rules of the PMPA (first aid, algorithm) to help those in trouble and not become a victim yourself. Compliance with safe practices at work and at home will save you from many problems. Teach and follow the steps for preventing electrical injury to children.

Among the preventive actions are:

• Observe the operating instructions for electrical appliances.
• Do not violate electrical safety techniques (at work and at home).
• Be attentive and careful when near power lines.

By performing these simple steps, you will save yourself and your loved ones from serious problems.