Statistics show that electric shocks are common in the home and at work. How to protect yourself and what to do in case of electric shock?
What is an electrical injury?
Instances of electric shock are rare, but at the same time they are among the most dangerous injuries. With such a lesion, a fatal outcome is possible - statistics show that it occurs on average in 10% of injuries. This phenomenon is associated with the effect of electric current on the body. Therefore, representatives of professions related to electricians can be attributed to the risk group, but accidents among people who accidentally encountered the action of current in everyday life or on sections of electrical wires are not ruled out. As a rule, the cause of such a defeat is technical problems or non-compliance with safety regulations.
Types of electric shock
The nature of the impact on the body and its degree may be different. The classification of electric shock is based on these features.
Electric burn
Burnelectric shock is one of the most common injuries. There are several variants of such an injury. First of all, it should be noted the contact form, when an electric current passes through the body upon contact with a source. An arc lesion is also distinguished, in which the current itself does not pass directly through the body. The pathological effect is associated with an electric arc. If there is a combination of the forms described above, such a lesion is called mixed.
Electroophthalmia
Electric arc not only burns, but also irradiates the eyes (this is a source of UV rays). As a result of such exposure, inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs, the treatment of which can take a long time. In order to avoid this phenomenon, special protection against electric shock and compliance with the rules for working with its sources are necessary.
Metalization
Among the types of skin lesions, metallization of the skin stands out with its clinical features, which occurs due to the penetration of metal particles melted under the action of an electric current. They are the smallest in size, penetrate into the surface layers of the epithelium of open areas. Pathology is not fatal. Clinical manifestations soon disappear, the skin acquires a physiological color, and pain stops.
Electrical signs
Thermal and chemical action leads to the formation of specific signs. They have sharp contours and color from gray to yellowish. The shape of the signs can be oval or round, as well asresemble lines and dots. The skin in this area is characterized by the occurrence of necrosis. It becomes hardened due to the necrosis of the surface layers. Due to cell death in the post-traumatic period, there are no complaints among complaints. The lesions disappear after some time due to regeneration processes, while the skin acquires a natural color and elasticity. This type of injury is very common and usually non-fatal.
Mechanical damage
They occur with prolonged exposure to current. Mechanical injuries are characterized by ruptures of muscles and ligaments, which occurs due to muscle tension. In addition, the neurovascular bundle is additionally damaged, and such severe injuries as fractures and complete dislocations are also possible. More serious and highly qualified assistance is required in case of electric shock with such a clinic. In case of untimely assistance or too long exposure, a fatal outcome is possible.
As a rule, the listed species do not appear separately, but are combined. This factor makes it difficult to provide first aid and further treatment.
What determines the degree of electric shock?
This indicator depends not only on the strength, duration and nature of the current, but also on the resistance of the body. The skin and bones have a high resistance index, while the liver and spleen, on the contrary, have a low resistance index. Fatigue and exhaustion of the body contribute to a decrease in resistance, therefore, in such cases, a fatal outcome is most likely. Moist skin also contributes to thiswet clothes. Clothes and shoes made of leather, silk, wool and rubber will help protect the body from harmful effects, as they will act as an insulator. It is these factors that affect the risk of electric shock.
Consequences
Electric current causes multiple damage. First of all, it acts on the nervous system, due to which motor activity and sensitivity worsen. In addition, there are pathological reflexes. For example, severe convulsions and loss of consciousness can cause death due to respiratory arrest. After rescuing the victim, deep lesions of the central nervous system are sometimes noted. The main types of electric shock lead to this.
Exposure to the heart can also lead to death, as the current leads to impaired contractility and causes fibrillation. Cardiomyocytes begin to work inconsistently, as a result of which the pumping function is lost, and the tissues do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen from the blood. This leads to the development of hypoxia. Another formidable complication is vascular ruptures, which can lead to death from blood loss.
Muscle contraction often reaches such a force that a fracture of the spine is possible, and, consequently, damage to the spinal cord. On the part of the sense organs, there is a violation of tactile sensitivity, tinnitus, hearing loss, damage to the eardrum and elements of the middle ear.
Complications don't always show up right away. Even with short-term exposure to electrical shockmay make itself known in the future. Long-term consequences - arrhythmias, endarteritis, atherosclerosis. From the side of the nervous system, neuritis, vegetative pathologies and encephalopathy can occur. In addition, contractures are possible. This is why electrical shock protection is important.
Reasons
The main etiological factor is the action of the current. Additional conditions are the state of the body and the presence or absence of any protection. Electric shock is usually caused by improper use or lack of protection when working with wiring. The risk group includes professions related to working with current. However, electrical injury can happen to anyone. Cases of defeat in everyday life are not uncommon, but they mostly end favorably. In addition, episodes of contact with bare wires are frequent among such lesions. Carefulness and knowledge of safety precautions will protect against such phenomena.
Clinical manifestations of electrical injury
Symptoms depend on the type of lesion, while their complex is based on a combination of manifestations of the described types of injuries. Also, the clinic depends on the severity. It should be noted that the most dangerous functional deviations of the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems. The victim is in severe pain. A characteristic suffering expression appears on the face, and the skin becomes pale. Under the influence of current, muscle contraction occurs, from the duration of whichmaintaining their integrity. All this can cause loss of consciousness, and in a more severe case, death. Electric shock protection will help prevent this condition.
The effect of current on the body
Changes occurring in the body under the influence of current are associated with the versatility of its impact. It has a thermal effect by converting electrical energy into thermal energy due to tissue resistance. This is due to the formation of burns and marks. Thermal action adversely affects the body, as it inevitably leads to the destruction of tissues.
Electrochemical action mainly affects the circulatory system. This changes the charge of many molecules and also sticks together the blood cells, thickening the blood and promoting the formation of blood clots.
Biological influence is associated with a violation of organs and systems - the effect on muscle tissue, the respiratory system, nerve cells.
The multiple effect of the current on the body aggravates the condition of the victim, increasing the risk of death. The combined factors of electric shock can lead to a different outcome. Even the action of 220 Volts on the body will cause irreversible damage.
First Aid
All types of electric shock require immediate emergency care, otherwise death is possible. First of all, it is necessary to stop the effect of current on the victim, that is, turn it off from the circuit. To do this, the rescuer must be sure to securethemselves with insulating materials and only after that pull the victim away from the source. After you need to call an ambulance team and start providing first aid. These activities are carried out before the arrival of specialists. A person exposed to current does not tolerate cold, so it must be transferred to a warm, dry surface. First aid is aimed at restoring vital functions - breathing and blood circulation. This requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Every person should be trained in it or have at least the slightest idea. Resuscitation is carried out on a hard surface. The rescuer combines artificial respiration and cardiac massage. It is required to observe the ratio - 2 breaths and 30 clicks. Salvation begins with a massage, since the restoration of blood circulation is a priority. It is performed with straight arms, placing the palms on top of each other (pressure is applied to the area of the wrist on the lower part of the sternum). The recommended frequency is 100 compressions per minute (the chest should move 5 cm). After the oral cavity is cleaned of secretions and artificial respiration is carried out. To protect the rescuer, it is recommended to manipulate through a handkerchief. Resuscitation can be carried out by two rescuers, while maintaining the ratio of 2 breaths and 15 clicks. When one person takes a breath, the second is contraindicated to touch the chest. When inhaling, the chest of the victim must necessarily rise - this indicates the correctness of the procedure.
Treatment
Electric shock requires prompt resuscitation and subsequent treatment. The therapy is carried out in a hospital. Even if the victim feels well and the injuries are minor, preventive monitoring is required to avoid complications.
Treatment is aimed at the speedy healing of skin lesions, as well as the elimination of other disorders associated with the harmful effects of current. Observation in the hospital is carried out until complete recovery.
Prevention
Prevent all types of electric shock will help compliance with safety regulations. Do not use electrical appliances that are defective. It is also contraindicated to touch them with wet hands, as this will improve the conduction of current. Working with electrical appliances and wiring requires the use of protective equipment against electric shock. These include dielectric mats, gloves, special pads. Tools must have an insulated handle. Also, for prevention, the public should be informed about the possibility of such an injury. A special role is played by informing in the media, as well as conducting conversations with schoolchildren. This will reduce the risk of electric shock.
Electrical injuries are very dangerous, and their outcome depends on many factors. It is influenced not only by current indicators (voltage, duration), but also by the body's defenses. For example, a current of 220 volts, depending on the conditions of exposure, can lead to both non-fatal injuries andand to death. It is very important to observe safety precautions - this will help to avoid such defeats.
