Electricity is everywhere and most houses are operated from electricity.
With multiple things needed to be operated while plugged in, it’s an important necessity to have at home.
With a child now curious and travelling around the house, you might have baby proofed the house.
However, sometimes, we might just miss a thing or two and we won’t have our eyes on kids every second.
Dangerous things can happen in a matter of seconds.
Steps to Take If Your Child Gets an Electric Shock
No matter how cautious you are, electric shock can happen at any time.
Ex-paramedic, Ross Smith shared what you should do if your child gets an electric shock.
1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe
If you know where your house meter is, go and turn off the main power switch.
Your child might still have electricity running through them.
If they caught up with a plug point or a wire, turn it off if you can.
If they have their fingers in the powerboard or if something wet is sticking in, remove it from the child.
2. Remove Child From Electrical Sources
Ross mentioned that if a child get their fingers caught in electricity, their hand spasm shut onto the item.
In that case, remove your child using something nonconductive.
3. Call an Ambulance
Call for emergency and tell the call taker what’s happening.
Even if your child seem fine and is conscious, it’s still very important that they get seen by a medical professional.
Even after 24 hours after an electric shock, a child can experience a life threatening heart rhythm issue, according to Ross.
4. Begin CPR
If your child is unconscious or not breathing, you should begin CPR while you wait for help to arrive.
Ross had previously made several videos on CPR that you can refer in case of emergencies.
5. Check For Markings
You should look out for burn marks on your child’s body.
It could be on their fingers and the mark would look like a big burn, black area.
If you see a hole on their finger or hand, it could be the entrance wound.
The electricity might sometimes travel through their body and come out of the other hand or foot.
Ross mentioned that if you see the hole or a burn with charring, look other limbs to make sure there are no exit wound.
What Happens When an Electric Shock Happens
Ross mentioned that the burns can be really dangerous to children and cause a problem with their heart.
Not only that, the heat of electricity can actually travel inside the arm.
It’s easier for the electricity to get through the veins and arteries because it’s moist.
According to Healthline, electric shocks can also cause compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome refers to when pressure rises in and around muscles.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the pressure is painful and can be dangerous and it can cause possible death.
Keep Electric Hazards Away From Kids
Keep electrical appliances away from any water source and install plug covers.
Electric shocks can cause severe damage and even death, so keep kids safe from these hazards.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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