Electric Shock

First Aid for Electric Shock

Electric shocks can result in: 

• Slight shocking sensations 
• Muscle spasms 
• Seizures 
• Interrupted breathing 
• Irregular heart beats 
• Third degree burns (at the spots where the electricity enters and exits the body) 
• Unconsciousness

People can be electrocuted when they touch high-tension wires that fall during a storm or are struck by lightning. A bolt of lightning carries as many as 30 million volts, more than 250,000 times the voltage of ordinary household current. July is the most dangerous month for lightning. Take care when rescuing someone who has been electrocuted so you do not become a victim as well. 

Prevention

• Take a first aid course that covers electrical burns, electric shocks as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 
• Install ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCIs) in wall outlets located in bathroom, kitchens, basements, garages and outdoor boxes. These act as circuit breakers. When an electrical appliance falls into the water, the current is instantly cut off. 
• Cover all electric sockets with plastic safety caps so children can't stick their fingers or a metal object in the sockets. 
• Replace worn cords and wiring. 
• Never use an electrical appliance, like a radio or curling iron, near water. Only buy hair dryers and curling irons that have built-in shock protectors. 
• Never turn electrical switches on or off, or touch an electric appliance with wet hands, while standing in water or sitting in a bathtub. 
• Know the location of fuse boxes and circuit breakers in your home and place of work. 
• Remove the appropriate fuse or switch off the circuit breaker before doing household electrical repairs. Turning off the appliance or light switch is not enough. 
• Pay attention to weather warnings. Find a safe place inside, away from windows and doors. And, don't iron or use the telephone during a thunderstorm. 
• Avoid tall trees, metal items, open water and high ground during a thunderstorm. If you are caught outside, look for a ravine or other low-lying place and crawl in. 
• Install a lightning rod on your house.