Lesson 42: Electrical Incidents

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📘 Lesson Summary

Electrical incidents can cause serious injury, including burns, breathing problems and cardiac arrest. The priority when dealing with electricity is always your own safety first.

In this lesson, you will learn how electrical injuries happen and how to respond safely.

⚡ What Happens During an Electric Shock?

An electric shock occurs when an electrical current passes through the body.

This can:

  • Interfere with the heart’s rhythm
  • Stop breathing
  • Cause severe internal and external burns

👉 Entry and exit wounds may be visible, but serious internal damage may not be obvious

⚠️ Types of Electrical Sources

🔌 Low Voltage

  • Found in homes and workplaces
  • Can cause muscle spasms
  • Casualty may be unable to let go of the source

⚡ High Voltage

  • Found in overhead power lines, railways or industrial settings
  • Often causes severe burns and is frequently fatal
  • Electricity can arc (jump), do not approach

👉 Always keep yourself and others well away

🚨 Treatment for Electrical Incidents

🩺 Step 1: Ensure Safety

  • Do NOT touch the casualty if they are still in contact with electricity
  • Turn off the power at the mains or unplug the source

👉 If you cannot switch it off, use a non-conductive object (e.g. wood) to move the source away

⚠️ Do NOT use anything metal or wet

🩺 Step 2: Call for Help

  • Call 999 / 112 immediately

🩺 Step 3: Assess the Casualty

  • Check Airway and Breathing
  • Be prepared to start CPR immediately if needed

🩺 Step 4: Treat Injuries

  • Treat any visible burns as per burn treatment
  • Be aware of possible internal injuries

🩺 Step 5: Ongoing Care

  • Reassure the casualty
  • Monitor continuously
  • Treat for shock if necessary

⚠️ Important Points

  • Electrical injuries can cause cardiac arrest suddenly
  • The casualty may appear well but still require medical assessment
  • Always seek medical attention after an electrical injury

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Your safety comes first
  • Never touch a casualty still connected to electricity
  • Isolate the power source
  • Call 999 / 112 early
  • Be prepared to start CPR
  • Always seek medical help