Electric Shock

Causes – Downed power lines, faulty equipment, overloading power boards, lightning strike.

Signs and symptoms

  • Check response;

  • Electric shock may result in:

  1. Respiratory arrest (not breathing);

  2. Cardiac arrest (no response);

  3. Burns; and

  4. Shock.

Safety first

  • Remember, metal and water conduct electricity and may be extremely hazardous, do not touch the casualty or

  • Any conducting material touching them until:

  • The supply of electricity is turned off, and if possible, the appliance is unplugged from the power supply;

  • Or, with extreme caution, disconnect the casualty from the electricity supply using a dry non-conducting material (e.g. Wooden stick or dry clothing).

First aid

  • Call an ambulance and keep bystanders back;

  • Treat any other injuries that may be present;

  • Use water to cool any entry or exit wounds and burns;

  • Promptly refer all casualties of electric shock for medical assessment;

  • The same treatment applies for people who have been struck by lightning;

  • If in cardiac arrest commence CPR.

Meirav Dulberg