Electric shock will happen due to some unexpected situations. It may range from minor to life-threatening injuries. Immediate first aid can save lives from disasters. The difference between life and death can be decided by immediate first aid because fast action may save one from death. Further, let’s delve into this blog to know why electric shock happens and how first aid helps the individual who is met with electric shock.
What is electric shock?
When a person unexpectedly comes into contact with an electric current, it causes an electric shock to the body. It happens when a person touches exposed electrical wires, faulty appliances, or any other source of electricity, and first aid after an electric shock is important. When current passes through the body, the normal flow of electrical signals will affect nerves and muscles in the human body, which causes severe injuries, or in extreme cases it will result in life-threatening conditions.
What are the four stages of electrical shock?
Simply, electrical shock will happen in four different stages, and each will vary in its severity:
- The sensation of shock: In this stage, an individual feels only a mild shock, it only feels like a tingling sensation or minor jolt due to low-voltage contact. Typically any harm will not be caused by this, but will startle the individual.
- Muscle contraction: In this stage, the current causes involuntary muscle contractions, so an individual cannot easily let go of the electric source. This will result in extended exposure to the electric shock and increase the risk of injury.
- Respiratory arrest: High voltage shocks will disturb the individual’s nervous system, resulting in breathing difficulties or temporary respiratory failure. So immediate medical attention is vital.
- Cardiac arrest & severe burns: In extreme cases, electric shock will lead to heart arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or deep tissue burns, which can result in life-threatening conditions if not treated immediately.
How can we prevent electric shock?
- Using proper insulation will save us from electrical wires and cords.
- Using a ground electrical device reduces the risk of electric shock.
- Avoid water while handling electrical appliances (wet hands).
Why is it important to seek medical attention after an electric shock?
Medical attention is needed for every person who has met with an electric shock, first aid can change the impact that is going to be caused by electricity. To save the person, reach out to an emergency doctor in Coimbatore to avoid complications in advance. Some of the reasons to seek immediate medical attention are
- If there are cardiac issues, like an irregular heartbeat.
- When there is muscle damage or internal injuries, it’s essential to take medical attention.
- If there is any burn or tissue damage, we should reach out to a doctor.
What are the first aids to be done to cure burns on the skin due to electric shock?
The electric shock will affect the body by entering at one point and exiting through another.
Cool the burn: Use cool water to rinse the burned area, but we should not use cold water.
Cover the burn: To prevent infection, use a clean or sterile dress to protect the burned areas.
Do not apply ice: If we apply ice cubes directly, it can damage tissue more.
What should we do immediately after an electric shock?
The immediate steps after electric shock can have a better impact on the outcomes. Here we can see what we should do:
Ensure your safety: Before we save another person, our safety is very important. Before we take the step, it is essential to turn off the source of the electric shock. If the person is still in contact with electric shock, we should not try to touch them with our hands. Use objects like a wooden stick or a plastic pipe that comes under an insulated object to move away from the current if necessary.
Call for help: To get professional help, call emergency care in Coimbatore for immediate medical support. Sometimes the electric shock effects can appear later, so if the person even seems better, they should visit a doctor for consultation.
Check for consciousness and breathing: If the person is unconscious and not breathing properly, immediate treatment is required to bring back the normal breath flow.
Monitor heart rate: The current flow will disrupt the heart rhythms. Even if the person is conscious but the heart rate is low, we need to perform CPR if needed. But we should not do chest compression unless the heartbeat stops.
What is the importance of first aid after an electric shock?
Preserving life: It helps to stabilize the person’s condition who is affected by electric shock. First aid remains the greatest savior of lives after an electric shock.
Preventing Complications: First aid can minimize the risk of severe injuries like cardiac arrest or permanent organ damage.
Restoring vital functions: CPR is also one of the first aid procedures that restores the function of heart activity if the person becomes unconscious or is not breathing.
Providing comfort: Immediate care will reduce pain, shock, or if the person is going through anxiety. It improves their overall chances of recovery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we can say that an immediate response to the electric shock can save an individual’s life from great impact. Understanding how to act after an individual met with an electric shock can prevent a person from complications and promote recovery.