Learn More About Electrical Shock

Electricity is very dangerous and this is why it is best for you to have any electrical issues dealt with by an electrician. However, no matter how careful a person is, there is the chance that they can end up being shocked by electricity. The amount of danger and the repercussions that follow will depend a lot on certain factors, such as how high the voltage is and the type of current. It's a good idea for you to learn as much as you can about the dangers that revolve around electricity, as well as what to do if someone ends up being injured due to contact with an electrical current. Here is some information that you are going to want to learn: 

Know how to spot some electrical dangers

Power lines - One very serious electrical danger comes from power lines. Any time you see a power line on the ground or even hanging close to the ground then you are going to want to assume that the electrical wire is live. This means you want to make sure you and anyone else with you stay far away from it and that you call the local authorities, so they can deal with it before someone gets seriously injured, possibly even fatally injured. 

Exposed wire - If you have any wiring to anything electrical in your home or business, then this creates a dangerous situation. You are going to want to be sure you cut off the power to that device and unplug it if this is possible to do. If there is only a very small amount of damage to a wire, then you can put electrical tape around it, then work on having the wire replaced. However, for more serious damage, you want to make sure you don't plug the item in until you have had the wire replaced. 

Incorrect grounding - If something isn't grounded the way that it should be, then this can create an electrical shock danger. One common way things are wrongly grounded is if someone cut off the third prong on a wire in order to get it to fit in regular electrical sockets. If you notice that you have an electrical device that used to have three prongs in the plug but now only has two, then you are going to want to have the cord replaced before you go ahead with using the device. 

Exposed components - Another thing that can lead to the risk of electrical shock is an exposed component on one of your devices. Don't use a device in this condition and don't plug it in until you have it repaired. 

Know what to do if someone ends up suffering an electrical shock

You want to know how to react when someone is shocked by electricity

If you are nearby when someone gets shocked by electricity, then you want to know what to do. Here are some important things you need to know about what you should do:

Don't touch them - If you touch someone who has been electrocuted, then you can also have the electricity go through you as well. This means you will also be shocked and this may only further hurt them because you will also be injured, so you can't be of any assistance to them if you are hurt badly enough. 

Call 911 - It's imperative that you make sure you get medical help to them as quickly as possible. This is why you want to call 911 or have someone else call them, so help can get on the way immediately. 

Break the connection - Turn off the power or break the electrical current with something like a plastic, cardboard or wood item that won't carry the charge. 

Begin CPR - if the person isn't showing any signs of breathing or moving, then you are going to want to begin CPR. If you don't know how to perform CPR, then the 911 operator will be able to walk you through the process.

Be sure to speak with your local health institute for further questions regarding electrical injury care.