Electrical Emergencies:  How to Respond

Electrical Shock

A small night-light with a 6-watt bulb draws .05 ampere, and even that small amount of current can be fatal. Here are some effects of current (in milli amps) passing through a 150 pound body (note that perception is only .5 to 1.5 milli amps):

	Protect yourself Don't touch the person. That person might be energized, so take time to protect yourself. Don't try to use a conductive tool to free the person. Don't touch anyone who has become grounded.
	Call 911 for help, IF the person: is obviously injured (loss of consciousness, significant trauma, etc.) has an altered mental status (confusion, slow/slurred speech, etc.) has other obvious injury (laceration, burn, etc.) or: at your discretion or that of the shock victim or supervisor.
	Keep others from being harmed
	Shut off the power (fuse or circuit-breaker or pull the plug; this might be difficult because there might be secondary sources; if you are not sure, get help)
	Move the victim to safety only when power is OFF and no neck or spine injuries are possible
	Give necessary first aid (keep CPR training up-to-date).
	Report accident to supervisor (even minor shocks and close calls must be reported)
	Secure area
	Collect data for an investigation and to prevent reoccurrence.

What To Do Until Aid Arrives:

Check for:

	Pulse If person's heart has stopped, start CPR, if you are trained.
	Breathing If person isn't breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, if you are trained.
	Treat for shock Keep person lying down. If unconscious, put them on their side to let fluids drain. Don't move the person if neck or spine injuries are possible. Cover the person to maintain body heat

Stay with patient until help arrives

Inform medical personnel about patient conditions

If not emergency

	Often symptoms are delayed and the person might need medical attention.
	All persons, who have received shocks but do not fall into the categories above, must be taken to the University Health Center by a co-worker or supervisor.
	Medical EVALUATION is a must.

Check out OSU EHS's online Information Library for additional information.

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Why Worry About Electricity?

 Common Causes of Accidents

How You Can Protect Yourself

Electrical Emergencies

Codes and Regulations