FIRST AID

The danger from an electrical shock depends on how high the voltage is, how the current traveled through the body, the person's overall health and how quickly the person is treated.

Call your local emergency number immediately if any of these signs or symptoms occur:

* Cardiac arrest
* Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
* Respiratory failure
* Muscle pain and contractions
* Seizures
* Numbness and tingling
* Unconsciousness

While waiting for medical help, follow these steps:

1. Look first. Don't touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you.

2. Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from you and the affected person, using a nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.

3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

4. Prevent shock. Lay the person down and, if possible, position the head slightly lower than the trunk, with the legs elevated.

Caution

* Don't touch the person with your bare hands if he or she is still in contact with the electrical current.

* Don't get near high-voltage wires until the power is turned off. Stay at least 20 feet away — farther if wires are jumping and sparking.

* Don't move a person with an electrical injury unless the person is in immediate danger.


Shock: First aid


Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, allergic reactions, severe infection, poisoning or other causes. Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock:


* The skin is cool and clammy. It may appear pale or gray.

* The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below normal.

* The eyes lack luster and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated.

* The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel faint or be very weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.

If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury:

* Dial call your local emergency number.
* Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet higher than the head. If raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep the person still.

* Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing o Keep tr movement). If absent, begin CPR.

*keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen belt(s) and tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Even if the person complains of thirst, give nothing by mouth.

* Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth.
* Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones.