FIRST AID TIP FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK (VIDEO)

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A few years ago I witnessed at a hospital, a young man who had been electrocuted brought in. He was later pronounced "brought in dead". Were there things that could have been done to prevent this death? Maybe!

The effects of an electric shock on a person depends on the following factors:
-the type of current
-how high the voltage is
-how long the person is in contact with the  electric current
-what path the current travels through the body
-the person's overall health
-how quickly the person gets first aid and professional medical help 

There are things that can be done to save a persons life after been electrocuted. You first have to understand the effect of electrocution to a person's body. It affects the normal functions of the heart, lungs and nervous system. 

Here are somethings that you can do if you see a person been electrocuted:
  1. Check for danger to yourself, bystanders and the patient.
  2. Switch off power, if possible, before trying to help the patient.
  3. If the patient is in contact with high voltage lines, do not approach, but wait until power is disconnected by authorized electrical personnel.
  4. If power cannot be switched off quickly, remove the patient from the electrical supply without directly touching them. Use a non-conductive, dry material (eg a dry wooden broom handle)
  5. Begin CPR if the victim is not breathing
  6. Check for other injuries (bleeding, fractures, burns etc.) and treat as needed
  7. Hold any burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove jewelry and clothing from burnt areas, unless stuck to the burn.
  9. Cover the burnt area with a loose and light nonstick dressing, preferably clean, dry, non-fluffy material such as plastic cling film.
  10. After resuscitation ensure the person seeks medical aid.

With that said, what then are the signs and symptoms of a person that has been electrocuted:
  • difficulty in breathing or no breathing at all
  • a weak, erratic pulse or no pulse at all
  •  burns, particularly entry and exit burns
  • loss of consciousness
  • cardiac arrest






Video Source: Health Tips and Sikana English

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