Electric shock is a medical emergency that can cause serious injuries and even become life threatening. Many people instinctively try to help the victim immediately, but without proper knowledge, they may put themselves in danger as well. Knowing the correct first aid steps can reduce the risk of further injuries and improve the victim's chances of recovery.
Understanding what causes electric shock and its effects on the human body is also important to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Why Should an Electric Shock Victim Be Helped Properly?
Electricity can travel through the human body and damage tissues, muscles, nerves, and vital organs such as the heart. If the victim is still in contact with the electrical source, anyone who touches them directly may also receive an electric shock.
That is why first aid must always be performed carefully. The correct actions protect both the victim and the rescuer.
Common Causes of Electric Shock
Damaged or Exposed Electrical Wiring
Old wiring, loose connections, or damaged insulation can cause electricity to leak and increase the risk of electric shock.
Using Electrical Appliances with Wet Hands
Water conducts electricity. Using electrical equipment in wet conditions or with wet hands significantly increases the chance of an accident.
Damaged or Broken Power Cables
When cable insulation is worn or broken, the live conductor may become exposed and dangerous to touch.
Overloaded Electrical Circuits
Plugging too many devices into one outlet can create excessive heat, increase the risk of short circuits, and lead to electrical accidents.
Lack of Electrical Protection Devices
Electrical systems without safety devices such as circuit breakers or leakage protection have a higher risk of causing serious accidents.
Dangerous Effects of Electric Shock
The severity of an electric shock depends on the electrical current, the duration of exposure, and the path the electricity takes through the body.
Skin Burns
Electricity can cause burns where it enters and exits the body. Internal tissue damage may be much more severe than what appears on the skin.
Breathing Problems
Electric shock may affect the muscles used for breathing, making it difficult for the victim to breathe or causing breathing to stop completely.
Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Electricity can interfere with the heart's electrical system, leading to dangerous irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrest.
Nerve and Muscle Injuries
Victims may experience pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or nerve damage after the incident.
Loss of Consciousness or Death
In severe cases, electric shock can cause unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, and even death without immediate medical treatment.
How to Help an Electric Shock Victim Safely
1. Turn Off the Electrical Power Source
The first step is to disconnect the power source. Switch off the main breaker or power supply if possible. Never touch the victim until you are certain the electricity has been disconnected.
2. Move the Victim Using an Insulating Object
If the power cannot be turned off immediately, use a dry wooden stick, dry bamboo, or thick plastic object to separate the victim from the electrical source. Never use metal objects or anything wet.
3. Check the Victim's Condition
After moving the victim to a safe area, check whether they are conscious, breathing, and have a pulse. If the victim is not breathing and you are trained in CPR, begin CPR while waiting for emergency medical services.
4. Seek Medical Assistance Immediately
Call emergency services or take the victim to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible. Even if the victim appears fine, a medical examination is important because some injuries may not appear immediately.
5. Treat Electrical Burns Properly
Cool the burned area under clean running water for several minutes. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Avoid applying toothpaste, butter, oil, or traditional remedies because they may worsen the injury.
Things You Should Never Do
- Never touch the victim before the electrical source is disconnected.
- Never use water to stop an electrical current.
- Never pull the victim away with your bare hands while electricity is still flowing.
- Never skip a medical checkup after an electric shock.
How to Prevent Electric Shock at Home
Regularly inspect your electrical installation, replace damaged cables, use quality outlets and switches, avoid using electrical appliances in wet areas, and install proper electrical protection devices such as circuit breakers and leakage protection.
Using certified electrical products also improves safety and helps extend the lifespan of your electrical system.
Helping an electric shock victim requires the right steps to protect both the rescuer and the victim. Always disconnect the power source first, use insulating objects when necessary, check the victim's condition, seek immediate medical care, and treat burns correctly. Prevention is equally important. If you need quality electrical products such as cables, circuit breakers, switches, outlets, junction boxes, and other electrical equipment, find reliable solutions at Listrik Kita.
