Statistics show that electric shocks are commonly found in everyday life and at work. How to protect yourself and what to do in case of current exposure?
What is electrical injury?
Electric shock is rare, but at the same time it is one of 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 exposure to an electric current. Consequently, representatives of professions related to electrical engineering 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 electric wire lines are not excluded. As a rule, the cause of such a loss is a technical malfunction or non-observance of safety measures.
Types of Electric Shock
The nature of the effect on the body and its degree may be different. The classification of electric shock is based precisely on these features.
Electric burn
An electric shock is one of the most common lesions. There are several options for such an injury. First of all, the contact form should be noted when an electric current passes through the body in contact with the 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 a combination of the above forms is noted, such a lesion is called mixed.
Electrophthalmia
An electric arc leads not only to burns, but also to irradiation of the eyes (this is a source of UV rays). As a result of this effect, inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs, the treatment of which can take a long time. In order to avoid such a phenomenon, special protection against electric shock and compliance with the rules for working with its sources is necessary.
Metallization
Among the types of skin lesions, skin metallization stands out due to its clinical features, which occurs due to the penetration of particles of metal melted under the influence 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 ceases.
Electrical signs
Thermal and chemical effects lead to the formation of specific characters. They have sharp contours and color from gray to yellowish. The shape of the signs can be oval or round, and also resemble lines and dots. The skin in this area is characterized by the occurrence of necrosis. It becomes hardened by the necrosis of surface layers. Due to cell death in the post-traumatic period, there are no pains among complaints. Lesions pass after some time due to regeneration processes, while the skin acquires a natural color and elasticity. Such an injury is very common and usually does not lead to death.
Mechanical damage
They occur during 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 severe injuries such as fractures and complete dislocations are also possible. More serious and highly qualified help is required in case of electric shock with such a clinic. In the event of untimely assistance or too long exposure, death is possible.
As a rule, the listed species do not arise 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 of action and nature of the current, but also on the resistance of the body. The skin and bones have a high resistance, while in the liver and spleen it is, on the contrary, low. Fatigue and exhaustion of the body contribute to a decrease in resistance , therefore, in such cases, a fatal outcome is most likely. Wet skin and wet clothes also contribute to this . Clothing and shoes made of leather, silk, wool and rubber will help protect the body from the harmful effects, as they will serve as an insulator. It is these factors that affect the danger of electric shock.
Effects
Electric current leads to multiple damage. First of all, it acts on the nervous system, due to which motor activity and sensitivity deteriorate. In addition, pathological reflexes occur . For example, severe cramps 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 current leads to impaired contractility and causes fibrillation. Cardiomyocytes begin to work inconsistently, as a result of which pumping function is lost, and tissues do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen with blood. This leads to the development of hypoxia. Another formidable complication is rupture of blood vessels, which can lead to death from blood loss.
Muscle contraction often reaches such a strength that a fracture of the spine is possible, and, consequently, damage to the spinal cord. On the part of the sensory organs, there is a violation of tactile sensitivity, tinnitus, hearing loss, damage to the eardrum and middle ear elements.
Complications do not always occur immediately. Even with short-term exposure, electrical injury can make itself felt in the future. Long-term consequences - arrhythmias, endarteritis, atherosclerosis. From the nervous system, neuritis, autonomic pathologies and encephalopathy can occur. In addition, contractures are possible. That is why protection against electric shock is important.
Causes
The main etiological factor is the effect of current. Additional conditions are the condition of the body and the presence or absence of any protection. Electric shock, as a rule, occurs due to non-compliance with the rules of use or lack of protection when working with wiring. The risk group includes professions related to working with current. However, electrical injury can occur to anyone. Cases of defeat in everyday life are frequent, but they mostly end favorably. In addition, episodes of contact with bare wires are common among such lesions . Carefulness and knowledge of safety measures will protect against such phenomena.
Clinical manifestations of electrical injury
Symptoms depend on the type of lesion, and their complex is based on a combination of the manifestations of the described types of injuries. Also, the clinic depends on the severity. It should be noted that the most dangerous functional abnormalities of the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems. The victim experiences extreme pain. A characteristic suffering expression appears on the face, and the skin becomes pale. Under the influence of current, muscle contraction occurs, the preservation of their integrity depends on the duration of which. All this can cause loss of consciousness, and in a more severe case - death. To prevent the occurrence of such a condition, protection against electric shock will help.
The effect of current on the body
Changes 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 heat due to tissue resistance. This is due to the formation of burns and signs. The thermal effect adversely affects the body, as it inevitably leads to tissue destruction.
The electrochemical effect mainly affects the circulatory system. This leads to a change in the charge of many molecules, and also sticks together blood cells, thickening the blood and contributing to the formation of blood clots.
The biological effect is associated with a violation of organs and systems - the effect on muscle tissue, respiratory system, nerve cells.
The multiple effect of current on the body exacerbates the condition of the victim, increasing the risk of death. Combined electric shock factors can lead to different outcomes. Even the action of 220 volts on the body will cause irreversible damage.
First aid
All types of electric shock require urgent emergency care, otherwise a fatal outcome is possible. First of all, it is necessary to stop the effect of current on the victim, that is, disconnect from the circuit. To do this, the rescuer should be sure to protect himself with insulating materials and only then drag the victim away from the source. After you need to call the ambulance crew and proceed to provide first aid. These events are held 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 - respiration and blood circulation. This requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Each person should be trained in it or have at least the slightest idea. Resuscitation is carried out on a solid surface. Lifeguard combines artificial respiration and heart massage. It is required to observe the ratio - 2 breaths and 30 clicks. Salvation begins with a massage, as restoration of blood circulation is a priority. It is performed with direct hands, putting palms on each other (pressure is the area of the wrist on the lower part of the sternum). The recommended frequency is 100 clicks per minute (chest should be displaced by 5 cm). After the oral cavity is cleaned of secretions and artificial respiration is performed. To protect the lifeguard, it is recommended to manipulate through a scarf. Resuscitation can be carried out by two rescuers, while the ratio is respected - 2 breaths and 15 clicks. When one person takes a breath, the second is contraindicated to touch the chest. When breathing in, the victim’s chest must be lifted up - this indicates the correctness of the procedure.
Treatment
Electric shock requires speedy resuscitation and subsequent treatment. Therapy is carried out in a hospital. Even if the victim feels satisfactory and the injuries are minor, prophylactic observation is required to help avoid complications.
The 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 made until complete recovery.
Prevention
Observe all safety precautions to prevent all types of electric shock. Do not use electrical appliances that are malfunctioning. It is also contraindicated to touch them with wet hands, as this will improve the conductivity. Work with electrical appliances and wiring requires the use of protective equipment against electric shock. These include dielectric rugs, gloves, special pads. Tools must have a handle with insulation. Also for prevention should inform the public about the possibility of such an injury. A special role is played by information in the media, as well as conducting conversations with students. 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 exposure conditions, can lead to both fatal injuries and death. It is very important to observe safety precautions - this will avoid such damage.