First aid for electric shock
Electric shock treatment
First of all, the victim should be removed from the circuit. If possible, switch off the source of electricity as soon as possible and interrupt the electrical flow. When this is not possible, a person should protect himself by the use of rubber gloves and rubber shoes. The damaged cord can be removed with a wooden stick, a wooden chair or other non-metallic objects.
Prior to providing assistance, we must be sure that no other person is at risk of a life-threatening accident.
When the injured person is not breathing artificial respiration needs to be given. When the heart is not working, a cardiac massage must be started. In the meantime, someone should send for help.
In injured breathing patients the burnt areas should be cooled with cold water and gently covered with sterile (clean) gauze or some other material that does not shed. Further treatment of electrical burns is the same as that of heat-induced burns, which includes relieving pain, suppressing and treating shock, and preventing infection.
After the first aid has been given, the injured person should be sent to the hospital for supervision and examination.
On board, if there are no signs of respiratory and cardiac disorders, the injured should be placed in the ship's hospital for 48 hours and monitored in consultation with a doctor by radio.
Electrical burns can be accompanied by paralysis of the respiratory centre, unconsciousness and instantaneous death.
Basic principles of treatment:
- separate the injured person from the circuit
- check the state of consciousness and life function
- if necessary, begin artificial respiration and cardiac massage
- after that take care of the burn