Electric Shock

ELECTRIC SHOCK
The primary variable for determining the severity of electric shock is the electric current which passes through the body. This current is of course dependent upon the voltage and the resistance of the path it follows through the body. An approximate general framework for shock effects is as follows:


Electric Current
(1 second contact)--> Physiological Effect
1 mA --> Threshold of feeling, tingling sensation.
10-20 mA --> "Can't let go!" current - onset of sustained
muscular contraction.
100-300 mA --> Ventricular fibrillation, fatal if continued.

The National Safety Council estimates that nearly 300 people die in the United States each year from electric shocks on 120V or 277V circuits. Death occurs when voltage pushes electrons through the human body, particularly the heart. An electric shock from as little as 50VAC for as little as 1 sec can disrupt the heart's rhythm, causing death in a matter of minutes and electrocution in the workplace is the most common cause of electrical death in the United States. Over 400 people die each year on their job sites from accidental electrocution. Another 500 people die in house fires caused by electricity. Understanding the dangers and taking some simple safeguards can prevent many unwanted shocks, or even deaths.

In the workplace, especially, it is very easy to become engrossed in a job and forget some simple safety rules. Work sites should be powered down before beginning construction or excavation. The lockout/tagout rule should be applied. The source of the electricity must be powered down, and then locked to insure no accidental reactivation.
If a wire is visible, test before you touch. A thirty-second test can save lives. If you absolutely must test a circuit with the naked hand instead of a tool, use the back of the hand. Touching with the fingertips can have very negative consequences. If the connection is live, it is possible for electrical shocks to stimulate the muscles of the hand, causing the first to close and making it very difficult to reopen the hand and let go of the electrifying agent. Workers should make certain their site has been inspected and the appropriate permits have been attained. These documents will not be issued if there are electrical hazards.

PREVENTION
Wearing proper personal equipment can also prevent injury. Rings and watches should be removed from fingers and wrists when working with electricity, since gold and silver are excellent electrical conductors. Clothing should be comfortable but snug to prevent entanglement in wires. Goggles and earplugs, as well as a hard hat should be worn. Work boots with a thick sole can provide some insulation.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY
Fortunately for people, the number of annual electrocutions is actually on the decline. With so many more people using electricity, this would seem ironic, but the fact remains that new technologies are constantly being developed to help prevent shocks in everyday situations.

RCDs are devices that are installed in most homes and work places to help make using electricity safer. RCD stands for Residual Current Device. There are many types of such devices, but most function on roughly the same idea. They are designed to disconnect or disrupt the power source to an outlet if an imbalance in the circuitry is detected. Basically, the device understands what path the current is meant to take. If the current takes a different path (known as leakage) because, for example, a human being is touching a live component and serving as a conductor, the device recognizes this change instantly and trips a safety switch…interrupting the power supply and preventing a lethal shock.

Probably the most common type of this device is the GFI or GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). This is commonly installed in bathrooms and kitchens or anywhere where there is the possibility of water splashing into or near an electrical outlet. As water is a good electrical conductor, the two entities do not mix, but the installation of GFIs (now part of most standard building codes) has saved many lives.

AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters) are very similar, but are designed to prevent fires from faulty arcing in electrical wiring. A common cause of arcing is loose wiring, but any number of mistakes can create an arc, usually inside interior walls or electrical boxes and away from human sight. The AFCI will trip, similar to the GFCI, not only stopping the arc, but also alerting people to a potential problem. It is estimated that AFCIs could prevent up to 70 percent of all electrical house fires.

FIRST AID
In the event that a shock does occur, understanding some basic first aid could mean the difference between a frightening incident and death. First of all it is important to know that (assuming he is not still grasping a wire) a person who has received a shock no longer carries an electrical charge and is perfectly safe to handle and help.
In the case of severe shock followed by lack of breathing, begin standard CPR immediately. Finding for a pulse or signs of circulation are both very difficult in shock victims and it can waste valuable time. It has been concluded that inappropriate or unnecessary chest compressions are not nearly as dangerous or life threatening as waiting to determine if there is or is not a heartbeat. If in doubt, CPR should be administered and bad CPR is better than none.
Of course, this is a worst-case scenario, but other injuries besides cardiac arrest can and are likely to occur. Check for signs of shock, such as cool or clammy skin or non-responsive eyes. Have the person lie down and loosen his clothing. Cover him with a blanket and try to position him so his legs are elevated above his trunk.
Probably the most common medical occurrence that comes with electric shock is an electrical burn. These can go well beneath the surface of the skin and can also be visible to the eye. When covering an electrical burn, be certain to use an actual bandage or gauze as opposed to a towel or blanket. These materials have fibers that will enter and infect the wound.
Seizures, dehydration, kidney failure, tissue death and psychological traumas can also manifest at later times following a shock. Be sure to call 911 and/or see a doctor for a complete examination following any sort of electrical injury.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT
Before any action is taken, make sure you do not touch the victim if he has not segregated from electrical trafficking frames. Caution should not be complacent, because negligence can kill the soul, even if you are very sensitive to the victims. If possible, turn off main power switches first. Then check the patient in case he still breathes fresh air. If the patient is not breathing, give artificial respiration 'artificial respiration.'
Note also if there are any burns, fractures or bleeding. If there are signs of burns on fire, gave a cold compress and close the burn surface with antiseptic cream. If a fracture occurs, avoid moving the patient.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Apart from the above action, Arnica 30 according to victims immediately. If he was surprised and unconscious, first give Aconite 30 or 200.
For any injuries, apply cream or lotion Cantharis at that site. Treatment of this injury is an injury equal to the fire.
Summary:

 Arnica 30 - immediate treatment of shock victims.

 Aconite 6 - if the victim was shocked.

 Cantharis 6 - treating injuries or burns.



Of course, electricity has become an entity that few people care to live without. If some common sense rules are followed, and safety measures are taken, it can be a valuable tool for most. It is a deadly force, however, to those who deny its power.