In a freak accident in Kharagpur, a video of a man getting electrocuted by an electric wire has made headlines. The victim narrowly escaped from scorching. However, this creepy video captured in CCTV has blown the senses of the viewers.
Here’s a look at how electric shocks occur, how they affect the human body, and how to treat them in an emergency:
How does the human body get electricity?
An electric shock is the sensation of an electric current passing through the body. Living tissue is a natural conductor of electricity because it contains water. In fact, at rest, the human body generates about 100 watts of electricity and the electricity is used by internal organs such as the heart, a report good Just Energy explains.
Electric shock occurs when an external source of electricity, such as a faulty power line or lightning strike, comes into contact with a part of the body. A blow can cause severe burns at the entry and exit points as well as internal damage.
The severity of damage is determined by the type of current, the type of tissue through which it passes, and the duration of exposure to the current.
What happens when lightning strikes the human body?
When electricity enters the human body, it tends to pass through; The person’s feet and in the ground. If several parts of the body are in contact with a source of electricity, it can pass through to another organ.
The path of current flow through the body has a significant impact on the severity of electric shock injury. If an electrical current flows through the chest, it can cause arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) and even cardiac arrest.
Why does a person die?
Interruption of the heartbeat is the leading cause of death from electric shock. Some currents cause the heart to stop completely, while others cause it to beat in an irregular rhythm. Even if the heart does not stop beating, the person may still die as a result of other injuries, such as severe electrical burns or damage to other internal organs.
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting electrocuted:
- Never use a damaged extension cord.
- Never use a faulty electrical appliance.
- To unplug an electrical appliance, pull the plug instead of the cable.
- Before changing the light bulb, turn off the light or unplug the lamp.
- Before drilling holes in the wall, locate the electrical wiring.
- If you have more than one outlet, get the right power bar.
- Before filling the iron with water, always unplug it.
- Never use electrical equipment in the bathroom if you are wet or the humidity level is high.
- The use of electrical equipment or extension cords is prohibited near the pool.
- Distribute your appliances across multiple circuits if one of the breakers in your distribution panel trips frequently.
- The third prong of the plug should not be cut or bent, this is an important feature.
- Never pour water on a burning outlet.
- Use caution when removing the cover plate of a switch or outlet.
What to do if someone around you gets an electric shock?
If someone close to you has been electrocuted, here are some things you should do, according to a report good by Mayo Clinic.
Some things that a person should be careful of:
- Do not touch an injured person who is still in contact with the electric current.
- Call 911 or a local emergency service provider if the source of the burn is a high voltage wire or electricity. Do not approach high-voltage wires until the power is off. Overhead power lines are usually not insulated. Stay at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away – even further away if wires are bouncing and sparking.
- Do not move an electrocuted person unless there is immediate danger.
When to seek emergency care:
Call 108 or a local emergency number if the injured person experiences:
- severe burns
- Confusion
- shortness of breath
- heart rate problem
- cardiac arrest
- muscle pain and contractions
- seizures
- unconsciousness
Do these things right away while you wait for medical help:
- If possible, switch off the power source. If not, use a dry, non-conductive object made of cardboard, plastic or wood to move the source away from you and the injured person.
- Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing, or movement.
- Try to keep the injured person from getting cold.
- put on a bandage Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Do not use a blanket or towel, as loose fibers may stick to the burn.
What amount of current causes injuries, death
A mild electric shock is one that does not cause any significant symptoms or tissue damage. In general, a current of less than 50 volts is unlikely to cause significant damage or death, but even low-voltage electrical circuits can cause injury under certain circumstances, Just Energy states.
According to the Merck Manual, low-frequency alternating current is potentially more dangerous than direct current because it “extends muscle contractions … which may free the hand from the source of the current and increase the risk.” Is.”
High-voltage currents are those that exceed 500 volts and are more likely to cause electrical burns, internal injuries, and cardiac arrest.
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