Don't be rash, pay attention to how to help victims of the right shock

Electric shock can be experienced by anyone, anywhere, and at any time. For example when installing electronic devices, repairing light switches, or touching broken cables. This can occur when parts of the body, such as hair or skin, come in contact with a power source directly. The effects of electrocution on the body are influenced by several factors, such as body size, extent of the body that is in contact with electric current, the strength of the electric current, and the duration of electrocution. Low-voltage electric current, which is less than 500 volts, usually does not cause serious injury. However, an electric current higher than 500 volts has a great potential to injure yourself. Electric shock is very dangerous, because it can cause burns, broken bones, fainting, respiratory distress, convulsions, heartbeat disorders, cardiac arrest, even death. Therefore, people who are electrocuted must immediately get help.

How to help victims of electric shock

Before helping victims who are electrocuted, you must first understand the correct techniques, so that you yourself do not become a victim of electric shock as well. To protect yourself when helping an electrocuted victim, follow these steps:

• Secure the area around the scene

Before helping an electric shock victim, pay attention to the situation around you. Make sure you are not near a power source. If possible, immediately cut off electricity at the scene. Look for electrical panels or fuse boxes to turn off electricity. If it cannot be turned off, move or move the victim away from the source of electricity using objects that cannot be electrified, such as wood or rubber. Do not touch the electricity using wet or metal equipment. In addition, if the power source cannot be extinguished, keep your distance at least six meters from the victim who is still electrocuted to protect yourself from the power source. Avoid touching puddles or wet objects. Water is a good conductor of electricity, so it can make you electrocuted too. If there is a fire, put it out first using a fire extinguisher.

• Contact the hospital Emergency Department

The next step is to immediately contact the nearest hospital Emergency Department or call an ambulance, so that the victim can get medical help as soon as possible. While waiting for help to arrive, don't leave the victim alone.

• Don't touch the victim

If the victim is still in contact with the source of the electric shock, do not touch it so that you do not get electrocuted. Do not touch the victim even if you use aids, especially if you are not sure the power has been cut off, also if you feel a sensation of shock or tingling in the legs and lower body.

• Don't move the victim

Do not move the electrocuted victim, unless he is threatened with electrocution again or is in an unsafe area.

• Check the victim's body

Examine the victim's body carefully and in order starting from the head, neck, to the feet. If there is a wound, avoid touching it. If the victim shows signs of shock (weakness, vomiting, fainting, rapid breathing, or very pale), lift his leg slightly, unless he feels pain. If the medical officer has arrived, explain the condition of the victim, including if there are wounds on his body.

• Cover burns

If the victim has a burn, remove clothing or any objects attached to the skin so that the burn does not spread. After that, rinse the burned area with cold running water until the pain subsides. Cover the wound with a bandage or sterile gauze. Do not use blankets or towels, because they can stick to burns.

• Perform CPR

Perform artificial respiration and cardiac resuscitation (CPR / RJP) to the victim, if needed. Respiratory assistance and resuscitation are given if the victim is not breathing and his pulse is not palpable. Make sure you understand how to do resuscitation, to avoid mistakes that can actually be dangerous.

Shock victims can experience injury and organ damage. Therefore, victims must receive close treatment and monitoring from doctors and medical teams. The doctor will first ascertain whether the victim is conscious and breathing or not, and whether the heartbeat is abnormal or not. In addition, further examination needs to be done to detect whether there are hidden injuries.