Before continuing, see the note on the use of this Guide.

What to do in case of Electric shock

• You must first cut off the electric current immediately. Lowering the emergency switch.
• Do not approach the person if the current has not been cut off.
• Do not touch the electrical appliance that may have caused the accident. In any case, remove it using a wooden or plastic object.
• If the accident occurred on a high voltage line, do not approach because an electric arc can form and electricity could "jump" towards you.
• You can then remove the person from the electrical source using a non-conductive object, such as a wooden stick. Do not use metal objects.
• Call emergency services (911).
• Move people away from the area, if possible place barriers.
• Check if the victim is breathing, observing his abdomen and chest. If the person doesn't breathe, apply Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if you know the technique.

Effects of electric shock

The effects of electric shock depend, among other things, on the exposure time, the type of current, its magnitude and the condition of the person at the time of contact. They can range from small burns, seizures, asphyxiation, to instant death. In most cases, these are domestic and work-related accidents, usually caused by an installation or electrical appliances in poor condition or damaged by time. Lightning can also be a cause of electric shock. The effects on the organism depend on many factors, including the difference in voltage, the amperage, the exposure time and the type of current (direct or alternating) and also on many factors related to the victim's body such as its electrical resistance, the points of entry and exit of the electric current, among others. According to the effects it causes on the victim will be the measures to be applied:

• Heart attack. The electric current can stop the heartbeat, apply Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Suffocation. Electricity tetanizes the thoracic diaphragm and prevents the work of the lungs, it happens after 25-30 mA (milliamps), apply Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Burns. The magnitude of the heat, and therefore of the burns, depend on the electrical voltage for the exposure time. They can be external or internal, damaging all kinds of tissues and organs, including bones (necrosis).
• Muscle tetanization . It prevents the muscles to respond, it happens after 10 mA.
• Ventiruclar fibrillation. Ventiruclar fibrillation. prevents blood circulation. It occurs when the electric shock lasts more than 0.15 S. (15 hundredths of a second). In this case, emergency personnel should use a defibrillator to regulate the victim's heart rate.
• Fractures. They can be caused by muscle spasms suffered by the victim or falls or blows at the time of the accident.
• Short term effects. It is recommended that the victim go to a hospital since complications such as cardiac disorders, infections  (sepsis) caused by tissue damage or renal failure may occur (it is prevented by applying serum in the hospital).
• Long-term effects. Some effects appear later as vision, hearing problems; renal, cardiovascular, nervous system disorders, among others.
• Permanent injuries. they are produced by burns, particularly the nervous system is affected.
• Electrocution. This term is reserved in case the victim dies due to the electric shock. Death can be sudden (immediate), take a few minutes, due to cardiac arrest or asphyxiation, or take days because of damage to the body.

Prevention

Accidents with electric shock are responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths worldwide, can be prevented by following safety measures such as:

• Read the instructions of the electrical appliances carefully before using them.
• Do not use old or damaged electrical appliances.
• Have an electrical technician check your home's electrical installation regularly.
• If you have babies or small children at home, cover the electrical plugs and sockets.
• Keep electrical appliances out of the reach of children.
• Do not use electrical appliances in humid environments: near swimming pools, the bathroom, in the rain ...
• Stay away from high voltage cables (many accidents are caused by playing with balls or kites near high voltage lines)
• In your work, follow the safety instructions and protocols.
• If you see the threat of a thunderstorm, do not remain in swimming pools or open spaces (fultol court, field). Seek shelter in a closed construction.