Contents:
Medical Video: The Pain of Electricity (AC versus DC)
- Definition
Is it electrocuted or electrocuted?
Electrocution, or the flow of electricity into the human body, usually occurs because someone touches a high voltage cable. Electric current at home can also cause severe electric shock if you stand in the water when you touch the electricity. Electric shock can usually stop breathing and heartbeat. Awaking the victim quickly can speed recovery.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sometimes someone who has just experienced an electric shock does not show any symptoms, but there are also those who suffer severe burns. Even in some cases, a person can get a heart attack.
The most severe burns usually occur in parts of the body that are in contact with a power source and with the soil / floor. Hands, heels and head are the most common contact points.
In addition to burns, other injuries that may be experienced by the person are thrown or crashed by the strength of strong muscle contractions when exposed to electricity. You must be aware of the possibility of spinal cord injury. A person who is electrocuted may have deep wounds especially if he experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain.
Pain in the hands or feet or deformities of the body parts can indicate a fracture that might result from an electric shock.
In children, their mouth can be burnt by biting the electrical cord and producing burns on the lips. Lips are usually red or dark, or burnt.
- How to handle
What should I do?
Remove the electrocuted limb from the electric current. If the victim is still in contact with the cable, be sure to turn off the electricity or disconnect the wire. Be sure to use objects that do not deliver electricity (such as wooden poles). After that, take it to the hospital immediately.
Begin giving artificial breath from mouth to mouth. Giving a heart massage can also quickly awaken the victim.
When do I have to see a doctor?
If exposed to high voltage electricity, look for treatment at the hospital emergency unit. After the shock subsides, contact your doctor if:
- It's been more than 5 years since the last tetanus vaccine
- Long healing burns
- Burns turn redness, pain, or dry skin
- Electric shock occurs in pregnant women
A person who is exposed to high voltage electricity (500 volts or more) must be examined at the ER. It might be better treated even if not in the hospital. After the shock subsides, try to bring it to the ER if the following problems occur:
- Burns are seen on the skin
- The victim is unconscious
- Feel numb, tingling, paralyzed, vision, hearing, or talking
- Exposed to electric shock if your womb is more than 20 weeks old
- Other alarming symptoms
- Prevention
- Close all electrical sources with a plastic safety cap.
- Unplug equipment, such as hair dryers and curling irons, if not used.
- Keep the power cord from toddlers who like to chew things around them.
- Teach your child not to turn on lights or electrical appliances when standing on wet floors or wet soil.
- Teach your child not to touch an electrical appliance, such as a hair dryer or radio while in the bathtub (the appliance can be damaged if exposed to water and the risk of burning can occur).
- Teach your child to avoid rain, tall trees, high soil, or metal objects during a storm or lightning rain.
