It is important to know how to react in the event of electrification. There are also preventive measures to avoid this type of accident. Find out how to help an electrified person safely.
1. Definition of electrical burn and electrification
Electrification is caused by the passage of electricity through a person’s body. The word “electrocution” is often used in place of this term, but it only refers to cases of electrification causing death. Made up of 60% water, the human body can easily be passed through by electric current. Electricity generally enters the body during a daily gesture, reaching a part of the body in contact with the earth (generally the feet). When electricity passes through the body, it can cause harm, such as skin burns, heart problems, organ damage, or death in some cases.
Electrification has more or less serious consequences depending on the intensity of the electric current, the trajectory of the current, the duration of its passage through the body and the nature of the ground. According to the French Fire Brigade website, 50,000 fires of electrical origin break out each year and 3,000 people are victims of electrification. Electrical fires are very common. They are often caused by overloading, faulty contacts, lightning or electrostatic discharge. Certain factors increase the risk of overheating, in particular the stacking of cables, poor ventilation or dust deposits.
2. Causes of electrification
Household electrification is caused by low voltage current flowing through residential buildings. Professionals are also affected by this type of accident, either by a low voltage current or by a high voltage current. Serious burns can be caused by an occupational accident related to industrial electricity. According to Ameli, 31% of professionals affected by electrification are construction and public works employees. According to INRS, less than ten professionals die each year from electrocution. Accidents generally occur during operations on fixed low-voltage installations, such as cabinets or electrical outlets, but also when using portable machines. Furthermore, lightning can also cause an electrification accident.
3. Symptoms of electrification
Electrification causes a tingling sensation, electric shock or tetany. The skin is generally the first area of the body affected by the accident: more or less serious skin burns can then appear. In addition, electrification can cause internal injuries, whether cardiac, muscular, neurological or pulmonary. The following symptoms should alert the victim and those around them:
4. How to react in the event of an electric shock accident?
Electrification requires urgent response. The speed of emergency intervention is decisive for the state of health of the victim. To help an electrified person, it is above all important not to touch them with bare hands so as not to be in contact with the electricity. In the event of a high voltage electrical accident, it is necessary to respect a safety perimeter around the victim until the power is cut off by professionals. An electric arc can prevent anyone from approaching the person. If the person suffers a low voltage electrical accident, it is absolutely necessary to cut off the power with the circuit breaker. It is necessary to contact emergency services as quickly as possible. The first minutes are essential to increase the victim’s chances of survival. While waiting for help, it is advisable to stay close to the person if they are conscious. If the victim is unconscious and breathing, they must be placed in a side safety position. If she is unconscious, but no longer breathing, it is necessary to perform cardiac massage.
5. How to prevent the risk of electric shock accidents?
In order to prevent the risk of electric shock accidents, it is important to have your electrical installation checked by a professional if in doubt. Broken sockets must be repaired. Socket covers should be used to protect children. Bare electrical wires should be avoided. To prevent accidents, it is also important to never use an electrical appliance with wet hands, with your feet in water, near a water supply or in the shower. Electrical devices should also be charged outside of damp rooms.
Sources
Read also :
⋙ First aid: 5 actions we should all know
⋙ Actions that save for every emergency situation
⋙ Third degree burn: what to do to promote healing?