Electric shock

  Overview

    Injuries caused when electric current passes through body
    Source may be natural or man-made

     What happens during
electric shock?

    Makes you fall down
    Muscle contraction
    Seizures
    Dehydration
    Burns
    Fractures
    Clotting of blood
    Tissue death (narcosis)
    Respiratory/Heart/Kidney failure

     Steps to follow

    Do not attempt to move the victim from current source
    First step is to switch off the current source
    Otherwise, move the source using a wooden stick
    Attend to the victim
    Check for breathing
    No breathing, do    Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
    Call emergency medical aid
    If breathing, do a physical examination
    Treat for minor burns
    Re-establish vital functions
    Excessive burns may require hospitalization/ surgery
    Supportive care must be provided

     Prevention

    Proper design, installation, maintenance of electric devices
    Educating the public regarding electrical devices
    Keep electrical gadgets out of children’s reach
    Learn to respect electricity and electrical devices