Emergency Treatment Methods and Dietary Plan for Electric Shock Injuries

December 26, 2023

Electric shock injury is what we call electric shock. In summer, electric shock injuries are more likely to occur, especially during frequent thunderstorms. It is important to pay attention to lightning during these times. So, what emergency treatment methods should we take when an electric shock injury occurs, and what dietary requirements should be followed?
 


 

  [Emergency Treatment Methods for Electric Shock Injuries]

  1. Immediately cut off the power. The first method is to turn off the power switch, pull the circuit breaker, and unplug the plug. The second method is to use non-conductive objects such as dry wooden sticks, bamboo poles, poles, plastic rods, belts, broomsticks, chair backs, or ropes to move the wires away.

  2. Quickly move the patient to a ventilated area. For those who have stopped breathing and have no heartbeat, perform artificial respiration and external chest compressions on the spot. Artificial respiration should be done for at least 4 hours or until the patient's breathing is restored. If conditions permit, endotracheal intubation and positive pressure oxygen ventilation should be performed.

  3. For those who have become unconscious, acupuncture points such as Renzhong and Zhongchong can be punctured.

  4. After the patient's breathing and heartbeat have recovered, immediately transport them to the hospital for treatment. Pay close attention to any changes in the patient's condition during transportation.

  5. Provide symptomatic treatment. For cerebral edema caused by hypoxia, dehydration can be done using mannitol, 50% glucose, etc. For fractures and dislocations caused by strong muscle contractions, reduction and fixation should be done. For burn injuries, exposed therapy is preferred.

  [Dietary Plan for Electric Shock Injuries]

  1. Early stage of electric shock injury:

  According to traditional Chinese medicine, within 72 hours, patients experience significant thirst due to a large amount of fluid loss. At this time, the patient's water intake should be restricted to avoid gastric dilatation, which can affect gastric function. If the patient feels hungry and has appetite, give them a small amount of rice soup, bean juice, which can satisfy the patient's dietary needs, neutralize stomach acid, and regulate the patient's emotions.

  For those suspected of having gastrointestinal bleeding, uncorrected shock, or severe gastrointestinal reactions, water intake should be prohibited.

  Due to poor gastrointestinal function in electric shock patients, easily digestible and low-residue foods are needed. Examples include thick rice soup, protein water, glucose water, watermelon juice, mung bean soup, sour soup, and even ice cream. Avoid foods that cause bloating and irritation.
 


 

  2. Infection period of electric shock injury:

  Provide a high-protein, high-vitamin diet. Examples include chicken soup, meat soup, liver puree, meat puree, steamed eggs, steamed fruits, etc.

  3. Recovery period:

  Supplement sufficient protein and carbohydrates. Have additional snacks between meals and have a dinner in the evening. Eat more fruits, eggs, meat, and sugar, etc.

  After an electric shock injury, patients need a nutritional diet to replenish the body's significant energy loss. However, burn patients often have poor appetite due to trauma, pain, and psychological burden.

  In the case of normal gastrointestinal function, encourage the patient to eat more high-protein, high-vitamin, easily digestible, and non-irritating foods. Eat more fruits, vegetable juices, etc.

  [Prevention of Electric Shock Injuries]

  1. When high-voltage lines are struck by lightning and severed, keep both feet together and jump away from the severed line by at least 8-10 meters. Turn off the main circuit breaker or report the accident to the power department as soon as possible. Also, erect obvious signs nearby to prevent others from coming into contact with the electrified area.

  2. When thunder and lightning occur, quickly lower your head, hold your knees with both hands, and press your chest against your knees. Remove all metal accessories and avoid touching wires, metal, water, and other conductive materials. Maintain a certain distance between people and wait quietly for the thunderstorm to pass.

  3. During thunderstorms, close all doors and windows at home, cut off all power and telephone plugs, and stay away from metallic pipes. Avoid showering with a spray head and avoid standing on balconies, platforms, and rooftops.

  4. When outdoors during a thunderstorm, do not run in the rain, do not walk with an umbrella, do not ride bicycles or use animal-drawn or agricultural vehicles, and do not take shelter under tall trees. Avoid standing near taller objects or becoming a taller object yourself.

  5. Do not use mobile phones or telephones during thunderstorms.

  6. Swimmers in water should get ashore as soon as possible. Wearing rubber or plastic raincoats has a certain insulation effect.

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