ELECTRIC SHOCKS

Children can suffer electrical injuries after placing objects in electrical outlets or electrical appliances or chewing on electrical cords.

Electrical shocks always need emergency medical attention (even if the child seems to be fine afterward).

WHAT TO DO:

· Turn off the power. If you can't turn off power: stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as dry newspapers, telephone book, or wooden board. Try to separate the child from current using non-conductive object such as wooden or plastic broom handle, chair, or rubber doormat.

· Separate the child from current's source. Never touch the child receiving the electric shock until the electricity is switched off and you are sre it is safe to do so. If you touch them, you could get an electric shock or be electrocuted yourself.

 · If the injured child is CONSCIOUS and seems unharmed, he/she should be told to rest.

· If the injured child is UNCONSCIOUS, open the airway and check breathing; be ready to resuscitate if necessary. Place the casualty in the recovery position and call to the ambulance.

(RECOVERY POSITION)

                                                       

 · If the child is bleeding, apply pressure. Elevate the wound if it's in an arm or leg.

· There may be a fracture if the shock caused the child to fall

· If the child has some burns, see the section dedicated to burns:  BURNS treatment.