What you need to know about electric shock!

Electricity has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, hasn't it? We need electricity to turn on a light, charge our phone, cook some rice in a rice cooker, sleep with a fan... All of these things require electricity. But sometimes this electricity itself can be a big problem and even a danger to us. You must have heard stories like "Oh, my brother got electrocuted and is in the hospital", "That child got electrocuted and is in trouble". Sometimes we escape with a minor injury, but sometimes it can be life-threatening. So, today we will talk in detail about this electric shock, or as we call it, 'electric shock'. Knowing this properly will be a great help in protecting ourselves and our loved ones.

What does electric shock actually mean?

Simply put, an electric shock is when an electric current passes through your body or touches your body. This can happen anywhere there is electricity. It can be from a plug point in a house, it can be from a large current wire outside. Now look, this electricity travels with a force called voltage . Just like the water pressure increases as the height of a water tank increases, the higher the voltage, the greater the electric force. However, even with low voltage, sometimes serious injuries can occur, and sometimes even death. Therefore, do not take it lightly , thinking that you have been hit by a small current. Although it may look like a small wound on the outside, there may be serious damage inside the body. That is why anyone who has been hit by current, even if it seems minor, should see a doctor immediately. If death occurs due to electric shock, doctors call it electrocution .

How common is this?

Accidents due to electric shocks occur all over the world. This is especially common among young children. You know, young children are very curious. They sometimes put wires in their mouths, or press some pieces of metal into plug sockets. This is when most accidents happen. In addition, these accidents are common among those working in the construction sector and electricians. In our country, too, especially during the rainy season, accidents are reported due to old wiring systems and broken electrical wires.

What are the symptoms of this?

The symptoms of an electric shock can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as the strength of the current and the path it takes through the body. Some symptoms are immediately noticeable, while others are not.

• Unconsciousness
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle spasms - like a leg being pulled
• Pulse dropWeak, irregular, or absent pulse
• Burns - Burns usually occur where electricity entered and exited the body.
• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea)
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Seizures - like having a fit
• Headaches​
• Vision or hearing impairments
• If electricity passes through the eyes , cataracts can occur.
• If a small child chews on an electrical wire, their lips can be burned and blackened.

The important thing is that even if someone is electrocuted, they may not be visibly injured on the outside, but they may still be seriously injured internally. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately.

What are the causes of electrocution?

There are several reasons why electrical accidents can occur. Many of these can be prevented if we are a little careful.

• Old, damaged, exposed electrical wires.
• Water getting into electrical outlets or appliances at home (for example, turning on a switch with wet hands, or using a heater from a plug near the bathroom).
• Cutting a live electrical cable (this often happens unintentionally).
• Defective household electrical appliances (things like irons, kettles, blenders, etc., when they are old, if the wires are broken and left like that, they can cause accidents).
• Power lines that have fallen onto roads and houses. (You need to be very careful about this, especially during strong winds and rain).
• Lightning strikes - This is a little rare, but dangerous.

Imagine, some homes use extension cords, with many appliances plugged into a single plug socket. In times like these, the chances of the wires getting hot and shorting out, causing accidents, are very high.

What are the complications of electric shock?

The damage caused by an electric shock doesn't end there. Sometimes, long-term complications can occur.

• Infection - Infection is the leading cause of death among people hospitalized for electrocution. Infection can easily enter through burn wounds.
• Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
• Cardiac arrest- Sudden cardiac arrest.
• Coma - deep unconsciousness.
• Memory loss (Amnesia)
• Respiratory arrest
• Burns
• Mental disorders - excessive anxiety, depression, or personality changes.
• Other injuries or broken bones caused by being thrown from the impact of an electric shock.

If someone is electrocuted, what should we do first (first aid)?

This is a very important part. If someone in your area is electrocuted, do not panic and act very carefully. Remember, your safety is also very important. 1. Do not touch the person who is being electrocuted for any reason, if he is still connected to the power source. If you do, you can get an electric shock too. 2. If possible, immediately disconnect the power supply. Turn off the main switch. Or unplug the power supply. 3. If you cannot disconnect the power supply, try to remove the person from the power source with something that does not conduct electricity, such as dry wood, plastic pipe, rubber . Do not use a wet stick or a piece of iron. 4. After removing the person from the power source, do not move him unless there is no risk of further injury. Doing so may increase the injury. 5. Immediately call the ambulance service at 1990 (Suvaseriya) or 119 (police emergency number) for help. 6. If the person is not breathing, give CPR if you are trained. 7. If the person is conscious, talk to them and keep them calm.

What kind of tests do doctors do?

When you or someone who has been electrocuted is brought to the hospital, the first thing doctors do is assess the severity of the injuries. They especially check for damage to the heart, brain, muscles, and bones.

• An electrocardiogram (EKG) is performed to check the heart.
• Blood tests and urine tests are done to check for muscle damage.
• Tests such as X-rays , CT (Computed Tomography) scans , or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be done to see if there are any broken bones or dislocated joints.

What are the treatments?

Treatment depends on the type of electric shock and the severity of the injuries.

• Painkillers are given.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids are given to provide the body with the necessary fluids.
• Antibiotic ointment and bandages are applied to burn wounds.
• If there are severe burns, surgical skin grafts may also be necessary.

What is the recovery rate of someone who has been electrocuted?

This is difficult to say. Some people recover quickly from minor injuries. Some people can become seriously ill and even die. It depends on many factors. For example, a high voltage current is more dangerous than a low voltage current. However, as mentioned earlier, even low voltage can cause death. The chances of saving a person's life are reduced in situations like these:

• If a cardiac arrest occurs.
• If a large area of ​​the body is burned.
• If an infection occurs.

Even after successful treatment, some people may develop lifelong complications, especially psychological problems.

What should you do to avoid getting electrocuted? (Prevention)

"Early warning is wise," they say. So, there are a few things we can do to stay safe from these electrical accidents.

• If you are making any repairs to your home's electrical system, always entrust the work only to a qualified, registered electrician.
• If your home has trip switches (safety switches/trip switches) , check them regularly to make sure they are working properly.
• Do not use electrical appliances near water or moisture. Be very careful in places like the bathroom or near the kitchen sink.
• Do not use any electrical appliance with a broken, frayed, or damaged wire. Even a small thing can turn into a big accident.
• When using power tools, follow the instructions provided with them exactly.
• If you are working with electricity at the workplace, follow safety instructions carefully. Wear rubber boots and rubber gloves if necessary.
• Do not overload a plug socket with too many devices.
• If you have small children, put safety covers on plug sockets. Arrange wires so that they are out of reach of children.

Do you need to see a doctor? When should you go?

Yes, absolutely! It is very important for anyone who has been electrocuted, even if there is no visible major injury, to seek medical advice.

• If you are electrocuted by low voltage and there are no burns, see a doctor within 48 hours. That is the best time to treat any internal damage. If your child is electrocuted, call a pediatrician immediately for advice.
• If you have been exposed to low voltage current and have burns, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not try to treat the burns at home.
• If you are electrocuted with high voltage, call 1990 immediately, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The difference between 'Electric Shock' and 'Electrocution'

Although many people use these two words interchangeably, there is a slight difference.

• Electric Shock: A non-fatal electrical accident.
• Electrocution: A fatal electrical accident.

Can you die from an electric shock from a plug?

This is not common, but it is not impossible either. The typical plug socket in our homes provides 120-240 volts. Although electrical accidents at this voltage are rare, they are fatal. However, there are some reports of deaths at levels as low as 42 volts. So, don't assume, "It's just the household current, so it's okay."

Can you still die after being electrocuted?

Yes, it can happen. Even if you are saved from an electric shock at the time, you may die from complications later on. Infection and cardiac arrest are the most dangerous late complications. That is why getting medical attention quickly can reduce this risk.

Finally, the most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Accidents happen when we least expect them. An electric shock can change everything in an instant.

Think about your safety and that of your family. Be very careful when using electricity. Follow safety procedures exactly. If there is a major repair to the electrical system at home, be sure to seek the help of a qualified electrician.

If someone is electrocuted, do not panic, provide proper first aid, and seek immediate medical attention. Remember, internal damage may be more serious than the visible injuries. So, do not ignore it as "a small thing."