Electrical shock refers to injuries caused by direct contact with electric current or an electric arc. Electric current can severely harm the human body. Affected limbs may feel numb, breathing and heart rate accelerate, and the skin may appear scorched and yellowish with dry, charred surfaces. In severe cases, breathing may become rapid and shallow, irregular, or arrhythmic, potentially leading to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
First Aid for Electric Shock:
The only chance of survival for an electrocuted person is to immediately disconnect them from the power source. However, never drag the victim directly by hand, as the human body conducts electricity. The correct procedure is to immediately turn off the power switch, open the fuse box, and pull the main circuit breaker. Guide the person away from the electrified area.
After disconnecting the victim from the power source, if irregular or absent breathing and no pulse are detected, immediately perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage. Transport the victim to a hospital for treatment without delay.
For minor injuries, provide emotional reassurance and have the victim rest in a supine position for 1-2 hours. Those with premature heartbeats should be observed for 24 hours.
For critically injured individuals, family members should actively cooperate with medical personnel in resuscitation efforts. Continuously monitor the victim's breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure, and keep the wound at the site of electrical contact clean.
If breathing and heartbeat cease, immediate on-site resuscitation is essential. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external cardiac compression until breathing and heartbeat resume. If breathing does not resume, artificial respiration should be maintained for at least 4 hours or until rigor mortis and livor mortis appear before discontinuing efforts.
For localized electrical burns caused by electrocution, follow standard burn treatment principles: clean the wound with saline-soaked cotton balls. Apply blue oil or cover with vaseline-soaked gauze.
To prevent infection, administer tetanus antitoxin serum at a hospital and initiate antibiotics promptly.