Home > Lifestyle > Man > Your body 22 August 2007 First aid for electric shock Electric current passing through the body can cause breathing to stop or the heart to stop breathing. Follow these emergency first aid procedures. 0 Pin It Follow us Facebook » Ask CyberShrink » Join Talk forums » Test Your sex toy IQ » Haemophilia facts and figures 42 substances that can kill you Electric current passing through the body can cause breathing to stop or the heart to stop breathing. The longer the person is in contact with the current, the less likely are the chances of survival. The source could be a defective household appliance, electrical wire or lightning. Internal body damage is not always obvious. Always seek medical help immediately. Home treatment Do not approach the person who has been electrocuted until you are certain the area is safe. First, break contact between the person and the current source. Best is to shut off the current at the main fuse box. Do not use the switch of the appliance. If this is not possible, use a wooden stick to separate the person from the appliance. Stand on a rubber mat, or stack of newspapers or another non-conducting material. A victim who has been struck by lightning, poses no more danger to the rescuer. Check the ABC’s: airway, breathing, circulation and start CPR if necessary. Check for shock. Call an ambulance. With high voltages, the person may have been thrown into the air and may have sustained back, head or neck injuries. Handle with care. Cover any burnt area with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth. Electrical burns are always worse than they seem. Get to a doctor. More in Lifestyle 9 reasons for groin pain More: ManYour body advertisement Get a quote Selfmed - the one with the apple Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... From our sponsors Hill's Science Plan Canine Mini range What is Diabetic Neuropathy? There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Live healthier Be vitamin-smart » A-Z of vitamins What is vitamin C? Ask the expert Why we need vitamin D Even in a country with an abundance of sunlight you might have a vitamin D deficiency. Here's why. Beat acne » Stars with scars Acne tips Skincare Myths about acne Through the ages, there have been many myths about acne. We list the myths and give you the facts.
0 Pin It Follow us Facebook » Ask CyberShrink » Join Talk forums » Test Your sex toy IQ » Haemophilia facts and figures 42 substances that can kill you Electric current passing through the body can cause breathing to stop or the heart to stop breathing. The longer the person is in contact with the current, the less likely are the chances of survival. The source could be a defective household appliance, electrical wire or lightning. Internal body damage is not always obvious. Always seek medical help immediately. Home treatment Do not approach the person who has been electrocuted until you are certain the area is safe. First, break contact between the person and the current source. Best is to shut off the current at the main fuse box. Do not use the switch of the appliance. If this is not possible, use a wooden stick to separate the person from the appliance. Stand on a rubber mat, or stack of newspapers or another non-conducting material. A victim who has been struck by lightning, poses no more danger to the rescuer. Check the ABC’s: airway, breathing, circulation and start CPR if necessary. Check for shock. Call an ambulance. With high voltages, the person may have been thrown into the air and may have sustained back, head or neck injuries. Handle with care. Cover any burnt area with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth. Electrical burns are always worse than they seem. Get to a doctor. More in Lifestyle 9 reasons for groin pain More: ManYour body