Dealing with electric shock
If
someone in your presence receives an electric shock and is still in contact with
its source, turn off the current at once either by pulling out the plug or
switching off at the socket or consumer unit.
If this is not possible, do not take hold of the person – or the current may pass through you too. Pull the victim free with a scarf or dry towel or something like that, or knock their hand free of the electrical equipment with a piece of wood.
As a last resort, free the victim by taking hold of their loose clothing – but without touching the body.
Do
not attempt to move anyone who has fallen as a result of electric shock –
except to place them in a recovery position – as they may have sustained other
injuries.
Wrap them in a blanket or coat to keep them warm until they can move themselves.
Once
the person can move and is no longer in connect with the electrical equipment,
treat their electric burns by reducing the heat of the injury under slowly
running cold water. Then apply a dry dressing and seek medical advice.
Severe electric shock can make a person stop breathing. Having freed them from the electricity supply, revive them by means of artificial respiration.
Clearing the airways
Clear the victim’s airways by loosening the clothing round the neck, chest and waist. Make sure that the mouth is free of food and remove any dentures. Lay the person on his or her back and tilt the head back while supporting the back with one hand.
Restarting the breathing
With your free close and open the jaw several times in an attempt to
restart the person’s breathing. If this does not succeed quickly, try more
direct method of artificial respiration.
Mouth to nose
Cover the victim’s mouth with one hand and blow firmly into the nose.
Look for signs of the chest rising and falling then blow again three or four
times in rapid succession. Repeat this procedure every four or five seconds
until normal breathing resumes.
Mouth to mouth
Pinch shut the victim’s nostrils, then cover the mouth with your own,
marking a seal all round, and proceed as in mouth to nose above.
Once breathing has started again, turn the victim face down with the head
turned sideways and tilted up slightly so that the chin juts out. This will keep
the airways open.
Lift one arm and one leg out from the body, then with blanket or coats arrange for the victim to stay warm while you summon medical help.