Electrocution:
Recognising and Responding to Electrical Injuries

Electrocution occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical current, which can cause severe injuries or even death. Electrical injuries can affect the skin, muscles, heart, and other vital organs, making it crucial to act quickly and safely. Whether the person is shocked by household electricity or a high-voltage source, knowing how to provide first aid can prevent further harm and potentially save their life.

What is Electrocution?

Electrocution refers to injury or death caused by electricity passing through the body. When a person is electrocuted, the current can disrupt the normal function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Severe shocks can lead to cardiac arrest, internal injuries, or burns. The extent of the injury depends on the strength of the current, the duration of contact, and the path the current takes through the body.

Causes of Electrocution

• Faulty Electrical Appliances: Defective wiring or appliances can cause electrical shocks.
• Contact with Live Wires: Accidental contact with live electrical wires, such as those in home wiring or power lines.
• Water and Electricity: Water conducts electricity, so using electrical devices in wet conditions (such as using a hair dryer near water) increases the risk of electrocution.
• High-Voltage Lines: Coming into contact with high-voltage power lines during construction or maintenance work.
• Lightning Strikes: Being struck by lightning is a rare but dangerous cause of electrocution.

Signs and Symptoms of Electrocution

The severity of symptoms depends on the voltage and duration of contact with the electrical source. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Burns: Burns can occur at the entry and exit points where the electrical current passed through the body. These burns may be severe and deep.
• Unconsciousness: The person may lose consciousness immediately after the shock, especially with high-voltage electricity.
• Muscle Spasms or Paralysis: Electrical current can cause the muscles to contract uncontrollably, sometimes resulting in paralysis or difficulty moving.
• Difficulty Breathing: The shock may impair the person’s ability to breathe, leading to shortness of breath or respiratory arrest.
• Cardiac Arrest: Electrical shock can cause the heart to stop beating or beat irregularly, leading to cardiac arrest.
• Numbness or Tingling: The person may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas of their body.
• Seizures: In severe cases, the electrical shock can trigger seizures.
• Visible Wounds: In addition to burns, there may be visible entry and exit wounds where the electricity entered and left the body.

First Aid for Electrocution

Responding quickly and safely is essential when dealing with electrocution. Here’s how to provide first aid:

1. Ensure Your Own Safety First:

• Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source. Electricity can travel through their body and electrocute you as well.
• Turn off the power: If possible, switch off the power source before approaching the person. For household electricity, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug the appliance.
• Move the person away from the source: If you cannot turn off the power, use a non-conductive object (such as a wooden broom handle, plastic,) to move the person away from the electrical source. Do not use anything metal or wet.

2. Call 999 Immediately:

• Call 999 for emergency assistance as soon as the person is safely away from the electrical source. Inform the operator that the person has been electrocuted and provide your location.

3. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness:

• If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR immediately. Follow these steps:
  • Open the airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
  • Give rescue breaths: Pinch the nose, cover their mouth with yours, and give two rescue breaths.
  • Perform chest compressions: Place your hands in the centre of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Continue alternating between chest compressions and rescue breaths until emergency services arrive.
• If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing closely.

4. Treat for Burns and Injuries:

• Cool burns with running water: If the person has electrical burns, cool the affected area with cool, clean running water for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, as this can damage the skin further.
• Cover the burns: After cooling, cover the burns with a sterile dressing or Clingfilm to prevent infection. Avoid applying creams, oils, or ointments.
• Do not move the person unnecessarily: If the person has fallen or sustained trauma during the shock, do not move them unless absolutely necessary, as they may have spinal or internal injuries.

5. Monitor for Shock:

• Electrocution can cause the person to go into shock, a life-threatening condition where the body is not getting enough blood flow. Signs of shock include pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing, confusion, and weakness.
• If the person is in shock, lay them down with their legs raised slightly (if safe to do so) and cover them with a blanket to keep them warm. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

6. Wait for Emergency Help:

• Stay with the person and continue to monitor their condition until emergency services arrive. If their condition worsens, be prepared to start CPR again.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Always seek medical help after any incident of electrocution, even if the person seems fine. Electrical injuries can cause internal damage that may not be immediately visible.
• Call 999 if:
  • The person is unconscious or not breathing.
  • They have visible burns or wounds.
  • The person has difficulty breathing or chest pain.
  • They experience seizures or muscle paralysis.

Prevention of Electrocution

• Avoid Using Electrical Devices Near Water: Water conducts electricity, so avoid using hair dryers, phones, or other electrical devices near water sources, such as sinks, bathtubs, or swimming pools.
• Unplug Appliances When Not in Use: Unplug electrical appliances when not in use, especially if they are near water.
• Keep Electrical Outlets Safe: Use safety covers on electrical outlets, particularly if young children are present. Teach children about the dangers of electricity.
• Check for Faulty Wiring: Regularly inspect your home’s electrical appliances and wiring for signs of wear and tear. If you notice frayed wires or sparks, have them repaired by a professional.
• Use the Right Tools: When doing DIY or working with electricity, use insulated tools and always turn off the power at the source before starting.
• Stay Away from Power Lines: Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines and never touch downed electrical wires. Call the utility company or emergency services if you see damaged power lines.

Key Points to Remember

• Turn off the power source or use a non-conductive object to move the person away from the electricity before providing first aid.
• Call 999 immediately in any case of electrocution, even if the person appears to recover.
• Begin CPR if the person is unresponsive or not breathing. Treat burns and injuries appropriately while waiting for help.
• Always seek medical attention, as internal injuries from electrocution may not be immediately visible.