If unresponsive and breathing normally or semi-concious, place the casualty in the recovery position. Continue to monitor ABC and other injuries

Electric shock first aid treatment | Safety First Aid Electric shock first aid treatment | Safety First Aid

Overhead power cables are an example of a power source generating high voltage electricity. High voltage electricity has the ability to 'jump' or 'arc' up to distances of 18 metres or more. If faced with a casualty as a result of, or in the vicinity of, dangerous high voltage electricity, DO NOT APPROACH!Stay at least 25 metres away from the casualty until the power has been switched off by an official agency i.e. the Electricity Board. Ask someone to call 999 if not done already. If you are alone, do so yourself. Leave the casualty if necessary but return as soon as possible. Remove your mouth to the side and let the chest fall. Inhale some fresh air and repeat these steps so you have given 2 effective rescue breaths in total. If you feel unable to give rescue breaths, hands-only CPR is far better than not performing CPR at all. Exposure to electricity can cause burns to the skin, and in severe cases, the internal organs. The electricity may cause 'entry' and 'exit' burns - for example, entering via a hand and leaving via the feet.

When phoning emergency services, DO NOT hang up at any stage of the conversation. The operator will terminate the call when appropriate. You should determine responsiveness and whether the casualty is breathing before speaking to the emergency services because this enables them to assign the appropriate priority to your situation. Other injuries Muscle spasms/seizures:These may be present for some time after the exposure to electricity and indicate a seriously ill casualty.

Electric Shock Photographic Poster | Seton Electric Shock Photographic Poster | Seton

Blow steadily into the mouth until you see the chest rise. This should take about a second. If available, it is advisable you use resuscitation equipment, such as a face shield. As it is important to understand the regulations governing safety in the workplace, a wallchart may be displayed, for instance, at a common meeting point. This is a great way to broach the need for methodologies, and employees will be prompted to keep in line with protocols such as regular testing of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and knowing where underground cables run. If the casualty is breathing, put them into the recovery position (see section 6) and then call 999 for emergency help. Continually monitor and record vital signs - breathing, pulse and responsiveness - until help arrives. Compress the chest (up to a maximum depth of approximately 4-5cm) 30 times at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The compressions and releases should take an equal amount of time Ask a helper to call 999 for an ambulance and then to bring an AED if available. If you are alone, make the call yourself.

Cool the burn with wet dressings (or special burn dressings) after placing them in the recovery position. If standing, the casualty will almost definitely collapse during a major seizure. Try to control the fall. Begin CPR with chest compressions as soon as possible. Do not leave the casualty to search for an AED. Accidents do unfortunately happen, and reporting is required, according to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Posters detailing the correct procedures are very helpful tools in this regard. The accident reporting poster will tell you which accidents should be reported, who must do this, and gives information on how to go about it. Forms for this can be pulled out of an accident reporting book.