- Definition
What is electrocuted or electrocuted?
Electric shock, or the flowing of an electric current into the human body, usually occurs when someone touches a high voltage wire. The electric current in your home can also cause serious electric shocks if you stand in the water when you touch an electric current. The electric shock usually stops breathing and the heartbeat. Resuscitating the victim quickly can speed up recovery.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sometimes someone who has just had an electric shock does not show any symptoms, but there are also people who suffer severe burns. Even in some cases, a person can have a heart attack.
The most severe burns usually occur on any part of the body that is in contact with a power source and with the ground / floor. The hands, heels, and head are the most common points of contact.
Apart from burns, other injuries that the person may experience include being thrown or knocked over by the force of a strong muscle contraction when exposed to an electric current. You must be aware of possible spinal cord injuries. A person who was electrocuted may have deep sores especially if he or she has shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain.
Pain in the hands or feet or deformities in the body can indicate a fracture that may have resulted from the electric shock.
In children, they can get burns from biting the electric wire and producing burns on the lips. Lips are usually red or dark, or charred.
- How to handle
What should I do?
Remove the electrocuted limb from the source of the electric current. If the victim is still in contact with the wire, be sure to turn off the power or cut off contact with the wire. Make sure to use a non-conductive object (such as a wooden pole). After that, take it to the hospital immediately.
Start giving mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Give a heart massage can also quickly revive the victim.
When should I see a doctor?
If exposed to high voltage currents, seek care in a hospital emergency department. After the shock subsides, call your doctor if:
- It's been over 5 years since the last tetanus vaccine
- The burns have been healing for a long time
- Burns turn red, painful, or dry skin
- Electric shock occurs in pregnant women
A person exposed to high voltage (500 volts or more) of electricity should be examined in the ER. It may be better to be treated even if not in the hospital. After the shock subsides, try to take it to the ER if the following problems occur:
- The burn is visible on the skin
- The victim is unconscious
- Feeling numb, tingling, paralysis, problems with vision, hearing, or speaking
- Get an electric shock if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant
- Another worrying symptom
- Prevention
- Cover all power sources with a plastic safety cap.
- Unplug utensils, such as hairdryers and curling irons, when not in use.
- Keep the power cord away from toddlers who are chewing objects around them.
- Teach your child not to turn on lights or electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or wet ground.
- Teach your child not to touch electric tools, such as a hairdryer or radio, while they are in the bath (they can get damaged if they come into contact with water and there is a risk of burns).
- Teach your child to avoid rain, tall trees, high ground, or metal objects during a thunderstorm or thunderstorm.
