If you suspect someone has received an electric shock you must ensure all power sources are isolated before you can treat the casualty. The action you take will depend on whether the risk is posed by high voltage or low voltage electricity. High Voltage Overhead power cables are an example of a power source generating high voltage electricity. High voltage electricity has the ability to 'jump' or 'arc' up to distances of 18 metres or more. If faced with a casualty as a result of, or in the vicinity of, dangerous high voltage electricity, DO NOT APPROACH! Stay at least 25 metres away from the casualty until the power has been switched off by an official agency i.e. the Electricity Board. Low Voltage If faced with a casualty who is in the process of receiving a low voltage electric shock you should:
If the casualty is responsive, call emergency services now. Your first priority is to open the casualty's airway and check for breathing. Open the airway by lifting the chin and tilting the head back. This will free the tongue from the back of the throat. If you are unable to open the casualty's airway in their current position, roll them onto their back. Check the mouth for any obvious instructions.
Then, check for breathing as follows: 1. LOOK for the rise and fall of the chest. 2. LISTEN for the sounds of breathing. 3. FEEL for air on your cheek 4. Carry this out for up to 10 seconds If the casualty is breathing, put them into the recovery position (see section 6) and then call 999 for emergency help. Continually monitor and record vital signs - breathing, pulse and responsiveness - until help arrives. If the casualty is not breathing normally: 1. Ask a helper to call 999 for an ambulance and then to bring an AED if available. If you are alone, make the call yourself. 2. Begin CPR with chest compressions as soon as possible. Do not leave the casualty to search for an AED. When phoning emergency services, DO NOT hang up at any stage of the conversation. The operator will terminate the call when appropriate. You should determine responsiveness and whether the casualty is breathing before speaking to the emergency services because this enables them to assign the appropriate priority to your situation. 1. Ensure the casualty is lying on their back on a firm, flat surface 2. Place your hands one on top of the other in the centre of the casualty's chest 3. Compress the chest (up to a maximum depth of approximately 4-5cm) 30 times at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The compressions and releases should take an equal amount of time 4. After 30 compressions, open the airway again using the head tilt/chin lift 5. Seal the nostrils with your thumb and forefinger 6. Blow steadily into the mouth until you see the chest rise. This should take about a second. If available, it is advisable you use resuscitation equipment, such as a face shield. 7. Remove your mouth to the side and let the chest fall. Inhale some fresh air and repeat these steps so you have given 2 effective rescue breaths in total. 8. If the chest does not rise after the second breath, go back to 30 compressions and then try again with 2 breaths. 9. Return your hands to the correct position on the chest and give a 30 chest compressions.
Continue giving CPR at a ratio of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths until:
4. Place the nearest arm at a right angle to the body 5. Draw the furthest arm across the chest and place the back of the hand across the cheek nearest to you 6. Keep this here whilst you raise the furthest leg by grasping the top of the knee 7. Gently pull on the knee so the casualty pivots over onto their side facing you 8. The casualty should be fully onto their side and stable 9. Adjust the upper leg so the hip and the knee are bent at right angles 10. Re-check the airway, breathing and circulation. Ensure the airway is open 11. Check for continued breathing 12. Ask someone to call 999 if not done already. If you are alone, do so yourself. Leave the casualty if necessary but return as soon as possible. Click here for a NHS video on the recovery position.
For responsive casualties:
If no injury is present and the casualty appears well, it is still advisable to take the casualty to a hospital or medical facility for a check-up, as certain organs/systems within the body may be affected several hours after a shock. An electric shock guidance poster is available to buy, helping to raise safety awareness throughout your organisation. The Electric Shock poster has clear, step by step instructions on how to react in case of an electric shock and how to provide treatment to someone that has been electrocuted. The poster is designed for both first aiders and non-first aiders providing them with the essential first aid and safety information. We have a range of products available to assist with the rescue and first aid treatment of someone who has received an electric shock. This article is not intended as a substitute for first aid training. |