ELECTROCUTION: ELECTRIC ACCIDENT THAT CAN BE AVOIDIED

Electrocution 

Electrocution is a type of electric shock that, as determined by a stopped heart, can end life. Electrocution is frequently used to refer to any electric shock received but is technically incorrect; the choice of definition varies from dictionary to dictionary. However, in the vernacular, the term electrocution is used to mean:

• death, murder or a sudden accident caused by an electric shock.
• deliberate execution by means of an electric shock, such as an electric chair; the word "electrocution" is a portmanteau for "electrical execution"..continue..

Electric Shock 

Electric Shock of a (human) body with any source of electricity that causes a sufficient current through the skin, muscles or hair. Typically, the expression is used to denote an unwanted exposure to electricity, hence the effects are considered undesirable. The minimum current a human can feel depends on the current type (AC or DC) and frequency. A person can feel at least 1 mA (rms) of AC at 60 Hz, while at least 5 mA for DC. The current may, if it is high enough, cause tissue damage or fibrillation which leads to cardiac arrest. 60 mA of AC (rms, 60 Hz) or 300–500 mA of DC can cause fibrillation. A sustained electric shock from AC at 120 V, 60 Hz is an especially dangerous source of ventricular fibrillation because it usually exceeds the let-go threshold, while not delivering enough initial energy to propel the person away from the source. However, the potential seriousness of the shock depends on paths through the body that the currents take. Death caused by an electric shock is called electrocution..continue..


Avoiding Electrocution 

People don't understand electricity.
They know that there are volts and watts, and they probably know there are amps too, and the concept of ohms may have crossed their mind at some point. The relationship between these things, however, seems to be difficult to grasp.You'd think an electrician would have some idea about this field of endeavor, though, wouldn't you?Well, the one that e-mailed me and, in the course of a brief exchange of mail, made clear that he could not get a clue even if provided with a large amount of money, very clear directions to the clue red-light district, and aftershave irresistible to clues, didn't. He thought that it wasn't the volts that killed you, it was the amps..continue..


Electrocution Burns 

Electrical burns result from electric current flowing through tissues or bone. The type and voltage of the circuit, the pathway through the body, the duration and the resistance of the body will determine the severity of damage. A key characteristic of electrical burns is that there is an exit wound. This is the location where the electricity leaves the body. A person with an electrical burn in his or her arm may have another wound in the leg. Because the electricity runs through the body, it is important to know the effects the burn had on the muscles, veins, arteries, and nerves between the entry point and the exit point of the electricity..continue..


Electrocution First Aid 

While waiting for medical help, follow these steps:

• Look first. Don't touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you.
• Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, move the source away from you and the person, using a nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
• Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
• Prevent shock. Lay the person down and, if possible, position the head slightly lower than the trunk, with the legs elevated.
• After coming into contact with electricity, the person should see a doctor to check for internal injuries, even if he or she has no obvious signs or symptoms...continue..