FIRST AID PROCEDURE FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK : Although the procedure described is usually followed, there are occasions when other matters have to be considered and therefore the procedure altered. Electric shock is one such occasion.

Here the main injuries which may be expected in an electrical accident are burns, asphyxia and shock. Cuts, fractures or other injuries may result from falls due to electric shock. The sequence of actions to be taken is:

(1) Do not touch the casualty until you are certain that the power has been turned off or that the casualty is no longer in contact with the electric current or else you may be electrocuted as well. No attempt at rescue must be made if the victim is in contact with a high voltage electric current such as that coming from overhead electric power cables. With a mains supply voltage (220-240 V), the victim can be pulled or pushed clear using for example, a wooden chair, thick dry cloth, rubber or other insulating material. The person administering first aid should stand on a dry insulating surface such as a wooden chair when attempting this and, ensure that the hands are not wet.

(2) If the victim is not breathing, the artificial respiration must be applied immediately. For administering artificial respiration and heart massaging, the help of a properly trained person may be taken.

(3) If the victim is unconscious but breathing, place him in the recovery position

(4) Treat burns and other injuries. Note that burns from electrical accidents may be much deeper and larger than their surface area indicates.

(5) Treat for shock

(6) In cases of serious injury, send for an ambulance or doctor.

(7) Don't move the victim, if you suspect any fracture.