Electric shock is a sudden and dangerous event that can cause serious harm, ranging from mild injuries to severe heart complications. In such situations, it's crucial to provide immediate and correct first aid to help save lives. This article outlines the necessary steps to take when someone is shocked by electricity.

Understanding Electric Shock

An electric shock happens when the body comes into contact with an electrical current. The source of the shock can vary, from everyday household appliances to lightning during storms.

Common causes of electric shock include:

• Damaged or exposed electrical cables

• Vending machines in public places

• Accidentally touching an electrical socket

• Using faulty or broken electrical equipment

• Contact with overloaded electrical outlets

• Being struck by lightning in stormy conditions

Common Signs of Electric Shock

Although electric shock doesn't always leave visible physical marks, it can cause serious internal issues. Some symptoms to be aware of include:

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle spasms or contractions

• Numbness or tingling sensations

• Breathing difficulties

• Headaches

• Vision or hearing problems

• Burns

• Seizures

• Irregular heartbeat

• Cardiac arrest

Electric shock can also lead to compartment syndrome, a severe condition caused by muscle swelling that compresses blood vessels and nerves. Without immediate treatment, this can disrupt blood flow and cause permanent tissue damage.

First Aid for Electric Shock

When dealing with an electric shock victim, it's crucial to stay calm and take the right steps. Here’s what you should do:

• Do not touch the victim if the power source is still active. Touching them could transfer the electrical current to you, making you a second victim.

• Call emergency services immediately for professional help.

• Turn off the power source if it’s safe to do so. Use a non-conductive object, such as dry wood, plastic, or plywood, to cut off the electricity. Once the power is cut off, check the victim’s breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing, perform CPR right away.

• If the victim is unconscious, place their head lower than the body and lift both legs to help increase blood flow to the brain.

• Do not attempt to remove burning clothing from the victim, as this can cause further harm.

• Stay with the victim and monitor their condition closely until help arrives.

While electric shocks might seem like minor incidents, they can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize your own safety before attempting to help someone else.

These are the essential first aid steps to follow when someone experiences an electric shock. If you have more questions, you can use the consultation service available through the Ai Care app, which is downloadable via the App Store or Play Store.

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