Actions to take with shock victims

Electrical shock always needs an immediate medical attention. Of course, you can always call 911 (and you should) but there are certain situations when experts won’t arrive in time and the life of the person who had an electrical shock is relying on you.  Below are a few steps to keep in mind…

1. Look Over the Area of the Incident Carefully

No matter how strong the desire to help may be, the very first step is to check out the area of the incident. If the danger of electrical shock remains, you can get injured yourself, and you won’t be able to help anyone. First, find the source of the electric shock.

2. Call Emergency Service

Call an emergency service as soon as possible. Mind that the sooner you call, the sooner the help will arrive. You need to describe the situation for the service to be prepared. Moreover, the operator may give you some instructions on giving the first aid to the victim.

3. Shut Off the Source of Possible Electric Shock

The best thing to do is to shut off the electric current. But do it only in a case if it is possible to shut it off safely. There is no need to try to save someone near a high-voltage line.

4. Separate the Victim from the Source

You shouldn’t touch the victim of electric shock if the electricity hasn’t been shot off. Don’t attempt to separate the victim from the source even with the non-conductive instrument. As soon as the source has been shut off, you can separate the victim from the source with the help of a wooden stick or any other non-conductive tool.

5. Do the CPR

After you have successfully separated the victim of electric shock from the source, you should check out the state of the victim. If the victim is unconscious, not breathing and doesn’t have any pulse, you should try doing CPR.

6. Place the Victim in the Recovery Position

You should put the victim in the recovery position to ensure that his or her breathing remains clear. Roll the victim on the side, place one hand of the victim under his or her head, bend victim’s farthest knee, and monitor the victim until the help arrives.

7. Keep the Victim Warm

The temperature of the victim will cool down quick, so you need to keep him or her warm. So, you need to cover the victim with the blanket. But don’t cover the victim if there are large wounds and burns.

8. Talk to the Victim

If the victim is conscious – talk to him or her. Try asking about his or her state, as learning it can be a great help when the emergency service arrives.

9. Examine the Victim’s Body

You need to examine the victim’s body in order to evaluate whether there are any burns or injuries and report it to the emergency service.

10. Control the Bleeding

If the victim is bleeding try stopping it. Use a clean piece of cloth and press it on the wound until the blood loss stops.