such as breathing, or coughing, begin CPR.
Apply a sterile gauze bandage to cover any burned areas to help protect the area from any further damage and lower the risk of infection. If you don’t have a gauze bandage, use a clean cloth but, don’t use a blanket or towel because the loose fibers can stick to the burns.
If the injured person is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to try to stop or slow blood loss. If the wound is in an arm of a leg, elevate it. If the cloth gets soaked with blood, don’t remove it. Instead, add more layers to it and continue pressing until the bleeding stops. Wrap the cloth in a bandage to secure it in place once the bleeding has stopped.
Talk to the victim to learn more about his or her state. You will be helping by relaying anything they say to the emergency services when they arrive.
Check for additional injuries
Someone who has suffered an electric shock might have minimal external evidence of injury or may have severe burns. For example, pain in a hand or foot may indicate a possible broken bone resulting from electric shock causing muscle contraction. Knowing of additional injuries will help get the victim treated sooner.
Do not try to provide first aid beyond your level of training.
Do I need treatment for electric shock injuries?
Electrical shocks always need medical attention regardless if the person seems to be alright after the shock. A person who has experienced a serious electrical shock becomes part of the electrical circuit which is why the patient will usually need an examination for entry and exit marks. These marks help determine the extent of the electric shock injury. For example, a burn on the left foot may mark the entrance point of electric shock while another usually less intense burn on the knee shows circuit electricity traveled from the foot to the knee. The medical professional will advise of further treatment for electric shock after the patient’s examination.
How The Carlson Law Firm can help
If you or a loved one have suffered an electric shock injury due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t make your case an easy target for insurance companies to try and undervalue your claim. Here at The Carlson Law Firm, we have been helping personal injury victims obtain fair compensation for over 40 years. Our team of attorneys, on staff nurses and private investigators, are ready to heavily invest in your case and hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us today for a free consultation. We care, we can help.
- Written by Adriana Torres