Electric shock

In 2022, it is hard to imagine life without electricity. In today’s modern society, it provides everything in our lives. Every day we rely on it in the workplace, while traveling and, of course, at home. While most interactions with electricity occur without incident, electrical shock can occur in any setting, including industrial and construction sites, manufacturing plants, or even your own home.

When someone has been injured by an electric shock, it is important to know what steps to take to help the victim. In addition, you need to be aware of the potential risks involved in helping an electric shock victim and how to help without putting yourself in danger.

When an electric current touches or passes through a body, it is called an electric shock (electrocution). This can happen anywhere there is electricity. The consequences of electric shock range from minimal and non-hazardous injury to severe injury and death. Approximately 5% of hospitalizations in burn units are associated with electric shock. Anyone who has received a high voltage shock or electrical burn should seek immediate medical attention.

What is electric shock?

A person can receive an electric shock due to faulty household electrical wiring. An electric shock occurs when an electrical current travels from a live outlet to a specific part of the body.

Electrical injury can occur as a result of contact with:

• faulty electrical appliances or equipment;
• household wiring;
• power lines;
• lightning strike;
• electrical outlets.

There are four main types of electrical contact injury:

Flash, short blow: sudden trauma usually causes superficial burns. They result from the formation of an arc, which is a type of electrical discharge. The current does not penetrate the skin.

Ignition: these injuries occur when an electrical discharge causes a person’s clothing to catch fire. The current may or may not pass through the skin.

Lightning strike: injury is associated with a short but high voltage of electrical energy. Current flows through the human body.

Circuit closure: the person becomes part of the circuit and the electricity goes in and out of the body.

Bumps from electrical outlets or small appliances rarely cause serious injury. However, prolonged contact with electricity can cause harm.

What is the danger of electric shock

The degree of danger of defeat depends on the threshold of “letting go” – the current strength and voltage. The “let go” threshold is the level at which a person’s muscles contract. This means that he cannot let go of the source of electricity until someone safely removes it. We will clearly show what is the reaction of the body to different current strength, measured in milliamps (mA):

• 0,2 – 1 mA – an electrical sensation occurs (tingling, electric shock);
• 1 – 2 mA – there is a pain sensation;
• 3 – 5 mA – release threshold for children;
• 6 – 10 mA – the minimum release threshold for adults;
• 10 – 20 mA – a spasm may occur at the point of contact;
• 22 mA – 99% of adults cannot let go of the wire;
• 20 – 50 mA – convulsions are possible;
• 50 – 100 mA – a life-threatening heart rhythm may occur.

Household electricity in some countries is 110 volts (V), in our country it is 220 V, some appliances need 360 V. Industrial and power lines can withstand voltages in excess of 100 V. High voltage currents of 000 V or more can cause deep burns, and low voltage currents of 500-110 V can cause muscle spasms.

A person can get an electric shock if they come into contact with an electrical current from a small appliance, wall outlet, or extension cord. These shocks rarely cause severe injury or complications.

Approximately half of electrocution deaths occur in the workplace. Occupations with a high risk of non-fatal electric shock include:

• construction, leisure and hotel business;
• education and health care;
• accommodation and food services;
• production.

Several factors can affect the severity of electric shock, including:

• current strength;
• type of current – alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC);
• to what part of the body does the current reach;
• how long a person is under the influence of current;
• current resistance.

Symptoms and effects of electric shock

Symptoms of electric shock depend on many factors. Injuries from a low voltage discharge are more likely to be superficial, and prolonged exposure to electrical current can cause deeper burns.

Secondary injuries can occur as a result of electric shock to internal organs and tissues. The person may react with a jerk, which can lead to loss of balance or a fall and injury to another part of the body.

short term side effects. Depending on the severity, the immediate consequences of an electrical injury may include:

• burns;
• arrhythmia;
• convulsions;
• tingling or numbness of body parts;
• loss of consciousness;
• headache.

Some people may experience discomfort but no visible physical damage, while others may experience severe pain and obvious tissue damage. Those who have not experienced serious injury or cardiac abnormalities 24 to 48 hours after being electrocuted are unlikely to develop them.

More serious side effects may include:

• to whom;
• acute cardiovascular disease;
• stopping breathing.

Long term side effects. One study found that people who received an electric shock were no more likely to have heart problems 5 years after the incident than those who did not. A person may experience a variety of symptoms, including psychological, neurological, and physical symptoms. They may include:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• memory loss;
• pain;
• depression;
• poor concentration;
• fatigue;
• anxiety, tingling, headache;
• insomnia;
• fainting;
• limited range of motion;
• reduced concentration;
• loss of balance;
• muscle spasms;
• memory loss;
• sciatica;
• joint problems;
• panic attacks;
• uncoordinated movements;
• night sweats.

Anyone who has been burned by an electric shock or has suffered an electric shock should seek medical attention.

First aid for electric shock

Minor electric shocks, such as from small appliances, usually do not require treatment. However, a person should seek medical attention if they receive an electric shock.

If someone has received a high voltage shock, an ambulance should be called immediately. In addition, it is important to know how to respond correctly:

1. Do not touch people as they may still be in contact with the electricity source.
2. If it is safe to do so, turn off the power source. If this is not safe, use a non-conductive piece of wood, cardboard, or plastic to move the source away from the victim.
3. Once they are out of range of the electricity source, check the person’s pulse and see if they are breathing. If their breathing is shallow, begin CPR immediately.
4. If the person is weak or pale, lay him down so that his head is lower than his body, and keep his legs up.
5. A person should not touch burns or remove burnt clothing.

To perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) you must:

1. Place your hands on top of each other in the middle of your chest. Using your body weight, push down hard and quickly and apply 4-5 cm deep compressions. The goal is to do 100 compressions in 60 seconds.
2. Make artificial respiration. To do this, make sure the person’s mouth is clean, tilt their head back, lift their chin, pinch their nose, and blow into their mouth to raise their chest. Give two rescue breaths and continue compressions.
3. Repeat this process until help arrives or until the person begins to breathe.

Help in the hospital:

• In the emergency room, a doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate potential external and internal injuries. Possible tests include:
• electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor heart rate;
• computed tomography (CT) to check the health of the brain, spine, and chest;
• blood tests.

How to protect yourself from electric shock

Electric shocks and the injuries they can cause range from minor to severe. Electric shocks often occur in the home, so check your appliances regularly for damage.

People working nearby during the installation of electrical systems must take special care and always follow the safety regulations. If the person has received a severe electrical shock, administer first aid if it is safe to do so and call an ambulance.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed the issue with neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin.