Electrical Shock

When a current exceeding 30 mA passes through a part of a human body, the

person concerned is in serious danger if the current is not interrupted in a very
short time.
An electric shock is the pathophysiological effect of an electric current through
the human body.
pathophysiological
effects IEC publication
60479-1
AC-1 zone: Imperceptible
AC-2 zone: Perceptible
AC-3 zone: Reversible effects: muscular
contraction
AC-4 zone: Possibility of irreversible effects
AC-4-1 zone: Up to 5% probability of heart
fibrillation
AC-4-2 zone: Up to 50% probability of heart
fibrillation
AC-4-3 zone: More than 50% probability of
heart fibrillation
A curve: Threshold of perception of current
B curve: Threshold of muscular reactions
C1 curve: Threshold of 0% probability of
ventricular fibrillation
C2 curve: Threshold of 5% probability of
ventricular fibrillation
C3 curve: Threshold of 50% probability of
ventricular fibrillation
Securing the Environment
• Check for the source of the electrical shock. Look to see if the victim
is still in contact with the source. Remember that electricity can flow
through the victim and into you.
• Never use water, even if there is a fire, as water can conduct
electricity.
• Never enter an area where electrical equipment is used if the floor is
wet.
• Use a fire extinguisher made for electrical fires. Fire extinguishers for
use on electrical fires will be labelled as a C, BC, or ABC extinguisher
Call emergency services
• Explain that the emergency involves and electrical shock so the
responders can be best prepared.
• Try not to panic. Keeping as calm as you can will help you relay the
proper information.
• Speak clearly. Emergency services will need accurate and clear
information. Speaking too quickly might lead to misunderstanding,
which can waste valuable time.[4]
• Provide your address and phone number accurately.
Shut off the current
• Open the circuit breaker box. Look for a rectangular block, with a
handle, at the top of the fuse box.
• Grab the handle and flip it to the other side, just like a light switch.
• Try turning on a light or other electrical device to double check the
power is off.
Separate the victim from the source
• Don’t touch the victim, even with a non-conducting instrument, if the
electricity hasn’t been shut off. Once you’re sure there is no current,
use a rubber or wooden stick, or any other non-conducting tool, to
separate the victim from the source.
• Examples of non-conducting materials include glass, porcelain, plastic
and paper. Cardboard is another common, non-conducting material
that you may use.
• Conductors, which allow electricity to flow, include copper,
aluminium, gold and silver.
• If the victim has been hit by lightning, he or she is safe to touch.
Assisting the Victim
Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle
with her body.
Place the other hand under the side of her
head. The back of the hand should touch the
cheek.
Bend the farthest knee at a right angle.
Roll the victim on the side. The top arm will
support the head.
Lift the chin of the victim and check the
airway.
Stay with the victim and monitor her
breathing. Once in recovery position, don’t
move the victim, as this can cause further
injury.
Assisting the Victim

• Don’t cover the body if there are large wounds or untreated burns.
• Be gentle when you place the blanket over them.
• When the emergency services arrive, give them what details you
have. Explain very quickly the source of the danger. Notify them of
any wounds you've noticed and the time of the accident. Don't try to
interfere once they take over.
Talk to the victim
• Identify yourself and ask the victim what happened. Ask whether the
victim has trouble breathing and if she is experiencing any pain.
• Ask where sources of pain are located. This may identify any wounds
or burns.
• If the victim is unconscious, check the airway and listen for breathing.
Check the body
• Check the victim’s body, starting with the head and moving down to
the neck, chest, arms, stomach and legs. Look for any burns or other
injuries that are immediately noticeable. Report injuries to
emergency responders when they arrive.[12]
• Don't manipulate or move any painful or wounded areas and don't
touch any burns. Moving the victim can cause further injury.
Control any bleeding
Do not remove the cloth if soaked with
blood, add more layers to it.
Elevate the bleeding limb higher than the
heart. Do not move the limb if you suspect a
fracture.
Once bleeding stops, wrap the cloth in a
bandage to secure it in place.
Wait for emergency services to arrive and
inform them of the injury and what you have
done to treat it.
Call emergency services back if the victims
status worsens.
• If the condition worsens, the operator might prioritize your situation.
• If the victim stops breathing, the operator might tell you how to
perform CPR. Don’t panic, follow any instructions you are given
Remember to check ABC
• Check the victim’s airway. Look for any
obstructions or signs of damage.
• Watch to see if the victim is taking
spontaneous breaths. Observe the
victim to see if he or she is breathing
normally. To do this, put your ear
close to the victim’s nose and mouth
and listen for any breathing.[16] Never
perform CPR if the victim is breathing
or coughing.
• Start CPR if the victim is not
breathing. If the patient is not
breathing, then you will have to start
CPR right away.[17]
Assess the victim for signs of disability
• A for alert. This means that the victim is awake, able to talk, and aware of
his or her surroundings.
• V for voice responsive. This means that the victim can respond to
questions, but he or she may not seem too alert or aware of what is going
on.
• P for pain responsive. This means that the victim is showing some sort of
response to the pain.
• U for unresponsive. This means that the patient is unconscious and not
responding to questions or reacting to pain. If the victim is unconscious,
you may proceed with the application of CPR. Do not apply CPR techniques
to a person who is already breathing and conscious.[19]
Get in position
• Put the person on her back and tilt the head back.
• Kneel down next to the victims shoulders.
• Place the heel of one hand over the center of the
person's chest, between the nipples.
• Place your other hand on top of the first hand.
Keep your elbows straight and position your
shoulders directly above your hands.
Begin compressions
• Use your upper body weight , not just your arms, as you push straight
down on the chest.
• Push at least 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters).
• Push hard, at a rate of about 100 compressions a minute. Continue
until the victim is breathing again or emergency services arrive.