When someone gets electrocuted, it can be scary and overwhelming, but responding quickly can make a huge difference. Electricity can stop the heart, affect breathing, or cause serious injuries in seconds. First, keep yourself safe by ensuring the power source is off before approaching the person. Once it’s safe, check if they are breathing and if their heart is beating. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) right away to give them the best chance of survival until medical help arrives. Understanding the steps of a pulse check in an unresponsive victim can guide you and boost your confidence.
Understanding Electrocution
Electrocution is death or severe injury caused by an electric current passing through the body, with the term originating from “electro” and “execution.” Shock refers to any current through the body, while electrocution specifically denotes fatal outcomes; an electric shock can cause serious injury or burns, but electrocution is lethal, so all electrocutions involve a shock, but not all shocks result in death.
Common Causes of Electrocution
Electrocution can happen suddenly and often comes from everyday situations we don’t always think about. Knowing the common causes helps us stay safe and avoid serious accidents.
- Faulty Electrical Wiring: Old or damaged wiring can be very dangerous because it can carry electricity in unpredictable ways. Touching or coming close to these wires can cause serious shocks or even fires. In case of emergencies, know what to do if someone is on fire. So you can save them until the professional arrives.
- Wet Conditions: Water makes it easier for electricity to travel through your body. Using electrical devices near water or standing in puddles can lead to sudden shocks.
- Improper Use of Electrical Appliances: Using appliances the wrong way or ignoring safety instructions can be risky. Plugging too many devices into one outlet or touching them with wet hands can cause electrocution.
- Lightning Strikes: Lightning is a powerful natural force that can shock anyone nearby. Being outside in a storm without proper shelter can put you at serious risk.
- Contact with Power Lines: Touching or getting too close to power lines can be deadly. Even without direct contact, electricity can jump through the air and cause severe injuries.
Main Consequences of Electrocution
There are several ways electrocaution can injure the body, from burns to heart and brain complications, which underscores the importance of safety around electrical sources.
- Burns: Electricity can cause serious burns when it passes through the skin. These injuries can be deep and may need medical care right away.
- Cardiac Arrest: A strong shock can stop the heart from beating normally. This is very dangerous and needs immediate help to save a life.
- Seizures: Electric shocks can make the body shake uncontrollably. Seizures may last a few seconds or longer and can be frightening.
- Loss of Consciousness: A sudden shock can make someone pass out quickly. Losing consciousness puts a person at risk of falling or injuring themselves.
- Irregular Heartbeat: Electricity can disturb the heart’s normal rhythm. This can cause serious complications if not treated immediately.
Steps to Perform CPR for Electrocution Victims
Helping someone who has been shocked by electricity can save their life. Knowing the right CPR steps makes you ready to act quickly and safely.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Safety comes first, so stay clear of the live wires and do not touch the person while they are still connected to the electrical source. If you can, switch off the power, or if that isn’t possible, use a non-metallic object like a wooden stick to guide them away from the danger. Your priority is to remove the risk without getting hurt yourself, so think calmly and act carefully.
Step 2: Call for Emergency Help
Call your local emergency number right away and tell the operator that someone has been shocked by electricity. Share the location and a brief description of what happened so responders can prepare. Getting trained help on the way quickly can save a life, so don’t delay and stay on the line if the dispatcher asks you to.
Step 3: Check Responsiveness and Breathing
Gently tap the person and call out to see if they respond. If there is no reaction, look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to ten seconds. If breath is not present or you’re unsure, proceed with life-saving steps while you wait for aid to arrive.
Step 4: Start Chest Compressions (If No Breathing or Pulse)
If the person isn’t breathing and you’re ready, place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and stack your other hand on top. Use firm, fast pushes at about 100 to 120 beats per minute, pushing roughly 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Keep a steady rhythm and allow full chest recoil between compressions.
Step 5: Give Rescue Breaths (If Trained)
If you have training, after every set of 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, and pinch the nose closed before delivering breaths that make the chest rise. Then resume the cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, continuing smoothly.
Step 6: Use an AED if Available
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is nearby, turn it on and follow the spoken or visual prompts right away. Attach the pads as shown, one on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side, and avoid touching the person while the device analyzes. Let the device guide you through any shocks it recommends.
Step 7: Continue Until Help Arrives
Keep performing CPR until professional medical staff take over or the person starts to breathe, move, or respond on their own. Stay calm, keep watching for changes, and be ready to adjust as more help comes in. Your steady effort can make a real difference while waiting for advanced care.
Why Post-Rescue Care Is Crucial for Electrocution Victims
Post-rescue care is crucial for electrocution victims because the danger often lasts after the shock itself. A careful check by a trained person helps catch hidden injuries, like burns or heart problems, that may not show right away. Rest and gradual movement support the body as it recovers, while monitoring ensures any trouble can be found early. Medical teams can test how well the heart and nerves work and treat problems before they get worse. Getting help quickly also lowers the chances of lasting damage and gives the person the best chance to feel better soon.
Precautions for Electrical Safety
Always treat electricity with care to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Check for frays or damage and replace any worn parts right away.
- Always disconnect power before touching switches, plugs, or devices.
- Wear insulated gloves and use tools rated for electrical work.
- Avoid placing drinks or water near sockets or electrical devices.
- Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in damp areas and have regular checks.
- If you are not a qualified professional, do not attempt to fix electrical issues and do not attempt DIY projects involving electric wires.
Final Thoughts on Helping Electrocution Victims
Helping an electrocution victim can feel overwhelming, but knowing the right steps gives you the power to act with confidence. By staying calm, keeping yourself safe, and starting CPR when needed, you can make a life-saving difference before medical help arrives. Remember, electricity injuries can be tricky because some effects may not show right away, so professional care is always important after the emergency. The more you practice and prepare, the more ready you’ll be to protect yourself and others in unexpected situations.
