Electrical
Injuries
Everyone experiences
minor electrical shocks from time to time. In
some cases, however, even small amounts of electricity
can be life-threatening because they can produce
unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, and cessation
of breathing. Electrical shocks also can produce
serious, deep burns and tissue injury, although
often even a serious electrical burn appears as
only a minor mark on the skin.
If you find
a person whom you think has been electrocuted,
look first--do not touch. He or she may still
be in contact with the electrical source, and
touching him or her may only pass the current
through you.
If possible,
turn off the source of electricity. If this is
not possible, move the source away from you and
the affected person using a non-conducting object
made of cardboard, plastic, or dry wood.
Once the person
is free of the source of electricity, check the
person's breathing and pulse. If either has stopped
or seems dangerously slow or shallow, initiate
resuscitation immediately
(see Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
If the person
is faint or pale or shows other signs of shock
(see Recognizing and Treating Shock), lay the
person down with the head slightly lower than
the trunk of his or her body and the legs elevated.
Treat any major
burns (see Treating Major Burns) and wait for
emergency medical assistance to arrive.
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