Awareness and First Aid
Image credit: Getty Images
Understand the risks and take the right precautions with electricity – outdoors and at home.
Why electrical safety is crucial
Electrocution can happen in seconds, often due to faulty wiring, damaged appliances, or exposed cables. Outdoors, it’s commonly linked to power lines, especially during construction or when metal tools or ladders touch live electricity. At home, children face added risk when plug points are left uncovered, or appliances are used near water.
“Even a small household shock can affect the heart and nervous system,” says Retha van Vliet, an Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic at ER24 Bloemfontein. But understanding the risks and taking precautions can prevent serious injury, she adds.
How to prevent electrocution
Prevention requires awareness and good habits. At home, use plug covers, avoid overloading sockets, and never handle electrical items with wet hands. If you work with electricity, wear protective gear and follow lock-out/tag-out procedures. These safety steps include preparing for shutdown, notifying affected employees, shutting down the equipment, and isolating it from all energy sources
Teach young children about the dangers of electricity and keep cords and chargers out of reach. Have a qualified electrician check wiring and appliances regularly. “Always unplug appliances before cleaning or repairing them – it’s a simple step that can save a life,” Van Vliet advises.
When weather adds risk
Be extra cautious during summer thunderstorms, as lightning, water damage, and short circuits increase the risk of electrocution. Rain and flooding make outdoor electrical work dangerous. Even indoors, winter brings its own risks: heaters, electric blankets, and extension cords can cause accidents if left unchecked or used incorrectly.
What to do – and avoid – in an electrocution emergency
Never touch someone while they’re still in contact with electricity. First, turn off the power at the main switch or use a non-conductive object, like a wooden stick, to separate them safely. Once the person is free, call ER24 immediately on 084 124, check their breathing and pulse, and start CPR if needed.
Do:
- Turn off power and call for help
- Check airway, breathing, and circulation
- Cover visible burns with a clean, dry cloth.
Don’t:
- Touch the person while the current is active
- Move them unnecessarily.
Understanding injuries
Low-voltage shocks can still cause burns or irregular heart rhythms. “High-voltage injuries, like those from power lines, often cause deep tissue burns, internal damage, and may result in amputations,” says Van Vliet.
“Children and older adults are both more vulnerable to electric injuries, but for different reasons. Children are at risk because of curiosity and limited awareness, while older adults may have weaker reflexes, reduced balance, or pre-existing health conditions that can make even mild shocks dangerous.”
Short-term effects can include burns, muscle spasms, confusion, and cardiac issues. Long-term consequences may involve nerve damage, chronic pain, memory problems, or psychological trauma. If you or someone you know is affected, coordinate with a healthcare professional to ensure proper follow-up care.
Smart action can save a life
Immediate action can prevent serious complications, says Van Vliet. “In one case, a homeowner switched off the main power and began CPR before paramedics arrived, which helped the victim make a full recovery. Quick thinking like that makes a huge difference.”
Don’t assume minor shocks are harmless or that only visible burns matter. Internal injuries can be severe and delayed. ER24 always recommends a medical check-up after any electrical incident, no matter how minor it seems.
Safety tips
- Keep cords and appliances away from water
- Use a qualified electrician for safety checks and repairs
- Teach children to stay away from power boxes, electrical sockets, and cables.