c. Signs and Symptoms of Electrocution. A person who has had an electrical
accident may have the following signs and symptoms:
(1)
Burns on the skin surface where the energy entered and exited the
body.
(2)
Dazed and confused condition.
(3)
Problems with sight.
(4)
Paralysis (from disrupted nerve pathways).
(5)
Irritable or restless, whether conscious or unconscious.
(6)
Weak, irregular, or absent pulse.
(7)
Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
(8)
Blood pressure elevated or low with signs and symptoms of shock.
(9)
Shallow, irregular, or absent breathing (tongue may swell and obstruct
airway).
(10) Multiple fractured bones and dislocations from intense muscular
contractions or from falling.
(11) Seizures.
d. Effects on the Body. Electric current can have a variety of effects on the
body. Some damage can be seen immediately while other effects may not become
apparent until later (after 24 hours). Examples of delayed effects include damage to the
spinal cord and cataracts. Generally, the body is affected in these ways:
(1) Broken bones and bruises. Alternating current, more dangerous than
direct current, may cause muscular contractions which throw the victim clear of the point
of contact. In the fall, however, he may sustain injuries such as bruises or broken
bones.
(2) More muscular contraction damage. Muscular contractions may cause
blood pressure to skyrocket suddenly. The contractions may cause the patient to have
minute spots of brain hemorrhage, hemorrhage of organs, and eye disorders. One or
both eyes may be bloodshot.
MD0576
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