Most of us take electricity for granted as an easy way to power our homes but we should also be aware of the dangers. Electric shocks can cause anything from a slight discomfort, to severe burns to heart failure and our safety section explains how they can be best avoided.
Electric shock can be caused by any of the following:
* Faulty appliances
* Damaged cords or extension leads
* An electrical appliance coming in contact with water
* Faulty household wiring
If someone has been shocked:
* They may be unconscious, have a weak pulse, have difficulty in breathing or not breathing at all and may have signs of burns.
* The human body conducts electricity so the electric current may still be running through them so do not touch them as you are likely to be shocked too.
* Turn off the main power to the house to prevent any further damage.
* Call the emergency services and notify them that is an electrical accident.
* When the person is no longer in contact with the electricity source and there is no danger of the current being transmitted then breathing and pulse can be checked and emergency first aid can be administered. Start resuscitating the victim if necessary. If you are unsure of the procedure, the ambulance caller can take you through this over the phone - resuscitation as soon as possible with increase the victim's survival chances.
* If the patient is breathing, then talk reassuringly to then until the ambulance arrives. Try not to move them and attend the any other injuries if possible.
* Cover any burns and blisters with dressings that won't stick but never use any ointments or oils onto burns.
Electric shock can be caused by any of the following:
* Faulty appliances
* Damaged cords or extension leads
* An electrical appliance coming in contact with water
* Faulty household wiring
If someone has been shocked:
* They may be unconscious, have a weak pulse, have difficulty in breathing or not breathing at all and may have signs of burns.
* The human body conducts electricity so the electric current may still be running through them so do not touch them as you are likely to be shocked too.
* Turn off the main power to the house to prevent any further damage.
* Call the emergency services and notify them that is an electrical accident.
* When the person is no longer in contact with the electricity source and there is no danger of the current being transmitted then breathing and pulse can be checked and emergency first aid can be administered. Start resuscitating the victim if necessary. If you are unsure of the procedure, the ambulance caller can take you through this over the phone - resuscitation as soon as possible with increase the victim's survival chances.
* If the patient is breathing, then talk reassuringly to then until the ambulance arrives. Try not to move them and attend the any other injuries if possible.
* Cover any burns and blisters with dressings that won't stick but never use any ointments or oils onto burns.
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