Definition

Electric Shock is a life-threatening condition  in which painful stimulation of sensory nerves is caused by sudden flow, cessation, and variation in the current  passing through the body .it can cause  by poorly designed or badly served electromedical apparatus.

Causes of electric Shock:

1. Poorly designed electromedical apparatus
2. Improper insulation of equipment.
3. Improper insulation of the wire.
4. Badly served medical equipment.
5. Mishandling of apparatus.
6. Improper guidance to the patient.
7. Lack of proper safety measures

how electric  Shock occurs:

 A person gets an electric shock when that individual becomes a part of an incomplete circuit making that circuit complete by touching two terminals of the voltage source. The current flows through the person resulting in shock. 

There are mainly  two kinds of electric shock  which are  :

Micro Shock

Micro Shock: The shock get by a person when of low-intensity current passes through a body is called micro shock.   For example, a physiotherapist gets these shocks while operating electrical modalities. 

Macro Shock 

Macro Shock: The shock get by a person when of high-intensity current passes through a body called micro shock.  If the current flow from a body surface through the skin in the body, a relative amount of current is needed to provide a harmful shock. 

Effects of Shock 

1. There is a sudden decrease in blood flow.
2. Abnormal heartbeat ( Either increase or decrease ) 
3. Chest pain
4. Unconsciousness
5. Dilution of pupils
6. Thirst and dry mouth 
7. Abnormal breathing (rapid, shallow)
8. dehydration
9. low blood pressure
10. weak pulse

Emergency treatment of electric shock

If you find any individual has been in shock any immediate effort can respond in great help before getting any treatment.

• Do not touch the person who is in shock if he or she is in contact with electricity.
• Please be aware to shift the person who has been in shock. 
• Make sure to cut off the supply of electricity before going near to the person. 
• Stay away as much as possible (Minimum 20  feet )
• Call the emergency local service as soon as possible . if the person is suffering from trouble breathing, loses consciousness, has seizures, has muscle pain or numbness, etc. 
• If there are no pulses or heartbeat then start CPR  as soon as possible.
• Use gloves if possible for lesions due to burning. 
• Keep the person warm.

Prevention from  Electric Shock 

• For children younger than 12, do not allow children to play with any electrical cord.
• Cover the outlet to protect infants and keep it away from them as much as possible.
• Do not climb on power tower or play near transformer systems or other electrical systems.
• Avoid use of Don’t use electrical devices near water.
• Be cautious when there is a thunderstorm. Protect yourself from lightning strikes.

The severity of electric  shock

• The greater the current pass from the body the more severe the shock.
• The severity also depends on the path of the current. A strong current in the head, neck, and heart is proven to be more fetal.
• The type of current that passes through the body influences the severity of the condition of individual.