First Aid Guide--Electrical Injuries, Lightening and Electric Shock

Electrical Injuries

When a person is electrocuted, the passage of electrical current through the body may stun him, causing his breathing and even his heart beat to stop. The electrical current may cause burns to the body both where it enters and where it leaves the body. In some cases the current also causes muscular spasm that may prevent the casualty from breaking contact with the electric source, so the person may still be electrically charged (live) when you come to the scene. Electrical injuries usually occur in the home or workplace, due to contact with sources of low voltage current. They may also result from contact with sources of high voltage current such as fallen power line. People who have been electrocuted by high voltage current rarely survive. Electrical burns are often deep and the casualty will have both an entrance and exit wound. Although these wounds may look superficial, the tissues below may be severely damaged.

Lightening

Natural blast of electricity discharged from the atmosphere, lightening forms an intense trail of light and heat. The lightening seeks contact with the ground through the nearest tall feature in the landscape and possibly through anyone standing nearby. A lightening strike may set clothing on fire, knock the casualty down or even cause sudden death. Clear everyone from the site of the strike as soon as  possible.

Electric Shock

Electricity can be very dangerous unless used with care. When an accident occurs with electricity, the first aider must remember that it is not safe to touch the casualty until the power has been turned off.

Priorities.

• Look for the source of the electricity and turn off at the power point or at switch. It is also wise to remove the plug to make it double safe.
• Check that the casualty has a clear airway and is breathing.
• If not, start resuscitation.
• If the casualty is breathing, check for any burns; flush entry and exit wounds with cool water and cover these with clean wet dressing.
• Seek medical advice for electrical burns because they can lead to serious complications.

Prevention

Many electrical accidents in the home could be prevented by;

• Keeping children away from electricity.
• Safety First, remember don’t become the next casualty, check for danger .
• Stop the current!
• Do not approach the casualty of electrical burns unless you are sure the power is turned off.

If you cannot disconnect the power, remove the source from the person.

• Stand on a piece of wood or folded paper and wear rubber shoes.
• Using a piece of dry wood (for example a broom) or rolled up papers, knock the electrical source away from the person.
• With high voltage electricity wires, you should stay away from them unless the authorities have disconnected the power. Electricity in these wires can spark and electrocute a person that gets close enough.
• Do not spray water near the electricity source; remember electricity can travel through the water to you.

Occasionally power cables are knocked down in a car accident. Never attempt to help a person when power lines are down; always wait until officials have turned off the electricity supply. Keep well clear of fallen cable because ‘arcing’ of electricity can occur through a distance of up to 6 meters.