Emergencies Caused by Electrical/Fire Hazards

These guidelines could help you save lives and property, but you must be sure you are safe and coordinated. If you are not confident or in a state of panic, do not make an attempt.

Shock and Electrocution

Shock victims must be removed immediately from the source of electricity. But this must be done safely; making sure that current is not flowing through the victim. If it is observed that current is still flowing through the victim, then dry wood or a non-conductor must be used to separate the victim from power source.

Make sure you do not complete a circuit between two wires or between one wire and the ground. If the victim is touching a power line, stay clear and call for help.

Before giving treatment to electrocuted victim whom you suspect is still alive, check the victims breathing and pulse.
If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration, hoping you have the training. If you do not detect a heartbeat, CPR must be started immediately, training of which is very important too. After 4 to 6 minutes, oxygen deprivation will cause brain damage. Continue CPR until medical help arrives or the victim breathes on his own. In the mean time, arrangements must be made for evacuating the victim to the hospital for specialised medical attention.

Fires

Small electrical fires can be put-off with a CO2 or DCP type fire extinguishers. Like I said earlier, every home must have a fire extinguisher. The government makes it compulsory for vehicles HSE makes it compulsory for homes. Never use water on electrical fire. For kitchen fires, you may use fire blanket on the fire or carefully place the lid on the pan. Better still you can quickly apply towel soaked in water on the pot, hoping fire is from the pot on cooker. If the fire appears to be growing rapidly, or if it is already too large or too smoky to use an extinguisher, evacuate the building and call for help. Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation and ask others to do the same. If anyone’s clothing is on fire, force him/her to
roll on the ground to extinguish the flames.

Burns

Burns suffered in electrical accidents may affect the skin, muscles and bone. The first hour is crucial for treating burns. Treat a minor burn with cool water, and then cover with a clean, dry cloth. Never use ointment or ice on a burn. Serious burns require immediate medical attention. Cover the affected area with sterile, dry clothes and proceed to the hospital. The victim may go into shock. Keep him lying down with feet elevated until medical attention is secured. Never try to pull charred clothing off burnt skin. Always see a doctor for any burn, as there is serious danger of infection

Stop, Notice and Think

No matter what electrical emergency confronts you, always stop to notice what is going on and think about a safe plan of action. Although instinct may move you to grab someone who is being shocked to remove him/her from the source of current, this type of hasty action could cost your own life. Instead, first urn-off the power and the victim will drop. Before treating a victim with
first-aid, consider whether you know what to do for the injury at hand. If not, get medical help immediately. Thoughtful action is the best strategy for any electrical emergency.