Rescue Operation, First Aid Treatment, and Artificial Respiration

Table of Contents

Introduction

Electric shocks are a serious workplace hazard, especially for electricians and industrial workers. Prompt and correct action during emergencies can save lives and prevent severe injuries. This blog post is a comprehensive guide on rescue operations, first aid treatment, and artificial respiration, focusing on victims of electrical accidents.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Explain how to rescue a person in contact with a live wire.
Understand the key aims of first aid.
Learn the ABCs of first aid.
Apply first aid treatment for victims effectively.
Treat individuals affected by electric shock or injury.

Rescue Operation for Electric Shock Victims

The severity of an electric shock depends on the current passing through the body and the duration of contact. Immediate action is critical. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Disconnect the Electric Supply

Switch off the main power supply if accessible.
Unplug the equipment or move the plug safely.
Avoid direct contact with the victim if the supply cannot be turned off.

Step 2: Insulate Yourself

Stand on insulating material such as dry wood, rubber, plastic, or stacked newspapers.
Use gloves or wrap your hands in dry cloth if rubber gloves are unavailable.
Pull the victim’s clothing gently to separate them from the electrical source.

⚠️ Never touch the victim with bare hands until the circuit is dead or they are safely moved.

Step 3: Prevent Falls

If the victim is at a height, prevent them from falling.
Use safety harnesses, ropes, or support their body until they can be brought to a safe location.

Step 4: Treat Electrical Burns

Electrical burns may appear small externally but be deep-seated.
Cover with sterile, clean dressing and treat for shock.
Seek expert medical help as quickly as possible.

Basic First Aid for Electric Shock

First aid is immediate care given to an injured or ill person to:

Save life.
Prevent further harm.
Promote recovery.

It is non-invasive, life-saving, and should be administered as soon as possible.

Key Aims of First Aid

Preserve Life: Keep the victim alive until medical help arrives.
Prevent Further Harm: Move the victim away from hazards and stabilize injuries.
Promote Recovery: Begin treatment to aid healing and comfort the victim.

Importance of First Aid Training

Provides skills to respond in emergencies confidently.
Helps reduce injury severity and save lives.
Available through organizations like Red Cross and St. John Ambulance.
Regular refresher courses are necessary to maintain skills.

ABC of First Aid

The ABC principle ensures that critical life functions are checked first:

A – Airway

Ensure the victim’s airway is clear.
Obstruction due to choking or vomit can be fatal.

B – Breathing

Check if the victim is breathing.
If breathing stops, begin artificial respiration immediately.

C – Circulation

Check for pulse at major points like carotid artery or wrist.
If no pulse, begin Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Following ABC helps prioritize life-saving interventions.

General Rules for First Aiders

Stay Calm: Panic can worsen the situation.
Assess the Surroundings: Ensure it’s safe to approach the victim.
Call Medical Help: Dial 108 (Ambulance) or 100 (Police & Fire) in India.
Avoid Direct Contact: Insulate yourself before touching the victim.
Do Not Move the Victim: Unless in immediate danger, moving may worsen injuries.

First Aid Procedure for Electric Shock Victims

Step 1: Check Consciousness

Gently shake the victim and call their name.
If unresponsive, roll them onto their side (recovery position) while keeping the neck aligned.

Step 2: Monitor Breathing

Observe chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for airflow.
If breathing stops, start artificial respiration.

Step 3: Treat Shock

Symptoms of shock:

Pale, cold skin
Weak or rapid pulse
Confusion or dizziness

First Aid for Shock:

Keep the victim warm with blankets or clothing.
Position the victim lying down with legs elevated.
Avoid giving food or drink to unconscious victims.

Step 4: Control Bleeding

Apply direct pressure to wounds.
Use sterile dressing or cloth.
Do not remove clotted blood, as it acts as a natural plug.

Step 5: Treat Burns

Cool first and second-degree burns with clean water.
Do not apply butter, cream, or ointments.
Cover large burns with clean cloth to relieve pain.

Artificial Respiration

Artificial respiration maintains oxygen flow when natural breathing stops. Four methods are commonly practiced:

1. Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Definition: A method where the rescuer breathes directly into the victim’s mouth to provide oxygen.
Procedure:
1. Tilt the victim’s head back and lift the chin.
2. Pinch the nose closed.
3. Seal your mouth over the victim’s mouth and give 2 slow breaths, watching the chest rise.
Use: Most common method for adults and older children when no equipment is available.

2. Mouth-to-Nose Resuscitation

Definition: An alternative when mouth-to-mouth is not possible (e.g., facial injuries, mouth trauma).
Procedure:
1. Close the victim’s mouth firmly.
2. Tilt the head back and lift the chin.
3. Seal your mouth over the victim’s nose and give 2 slow breaths, checking chest rise.
Use: Suitable for infants, small children, or when the mouth is injured.

3. Manual Chest Compression with Ventilation

Definition: Combines external chest compressions with rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygenation.
Procedure:
1. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and the other hand on top.
2. Push down firmly 5–6 cm at 100–120 compressions per minute.
3. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Use: Standard method for adults in cardiac arrest; requires training.

4. Mechanical Ventilation Devices

Definition: Use of machines or devices to deliver oxygen to the lungs when the victim cannot breathe.
Examples: Bag-valve mask (BVM), ventilators, or emergency oxygen devices.
Procedure: Trained personnel operate the device, ensuring proper airway placement and oxygen flow.
Use: Hospitals, ambulances, and advanced first aid scenarios.

Handling Unconscious Victims

Maintain airway and breathing.
Place in recovery position if breathing is intact.
Monitor pulse and breathing continuously.
Keep victim warm and comfortable.
Do not leave them unattended.

Causes of Unconsciousness (Coma)

Unconsciousness can arise from multiple conditions:

Shock (Cardiogenic, Neurogenic)
Head injury or concussion
Asphyxia
Extreme temperatures
Heart attack or stroke
Severe blood loss or dehydration
Drug/alcohol overdose
Epileptic fits

Symptoms include: confusion, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or loss of bowel control.

First Aid:

Check airway, breathing, and pulse.
Roll onto side if no spinal injury.
Maintain warmth and calm the victim.
Seek medical help immediately.

Electric Shock Specific First Aid

Immediate actions:

Switch off supply if possible.
Remove victim using dry, non-conductive materials.
Avoid touching with bare hands.

Treating Electrical Burns:

Restore breathing before attending burns.
Cover burns with sterile dressing.
Avoid applying ointments or creams.

Reporting an Emergency

When calling emergency services:

Describe location precisely.
Give phone number for callbacks.
Explain the nature of emergency clearly.
Follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully.

CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is essential when circulation and breathing are compromised.

Key Points:

Chest Compressions: Maintain circulation.
Rescue Breaths: Provide oxygen if trained.
Avoid untrained attempts that may cause harm.

CPR sustains vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

Key Guidelines for First Aiders

Evaluate the scene before approaching.
Follow ABCs rigorously.
Avoid moving the victim unnecessarily.
Call emergency services immediately.
Assess responsiveness and act according to the situation.
Stay with the victim until help arrives.

Golden Hours

The first 30 minutes after injury are critical—the “Golden Period.”

Quick first aid increases chances of survival.
Proper handling during this period reduces long-term complications.

Hygiene and Infection Control

Wash hands or wear gloves before treatment.
Clean wounds with clean water, not ointments.
Dress wounds sterilely to prevent infection.

Conclusion

Proper knowledge of rescue operations, first aid, and artificial respiration is vital for saving lives, especially in electrical accidents. Regular training and practice can build confidence and skill, enabling quick and effective response in emergencies.

Remember, stay calm, act swiftly, follow the ABCs, and always prioritize life preservation. Prompt first aid can make the difference between life and death.