Electric shocks are no laughing matter, except when they are. Zapping yourself with electricity can be shockingly painful and scary, but don't worry - you're not alone. This article will teach you what to do if you get an electric shock, so next time it happens you'll be prepared to take action.
The Basics of Electric Shocks
Before we dive into how to deal with electric shocks, let's first understand what they are. An electric shock is the result of a person coming into contact with an electrical energy source which in turn causes electricity to pass through his body.
Electrical currents can range from low voltage (like a mere 9 volts battery) or high voltage (as from household power sockets), depending on their sources. Anything exposed containing electrified components such as wires or metal conductors that generate or distribute electrical charges has the potential to deliver an electric current into your body.
When electricity passes through your skin or flesh tissue –>zzt!-+–it’s like being poked by thousands of needles at once—uncomfortable much? Similarly, just like your shower goes too scorching hot; too much amperage passing through our nervous system leads to overloading them and causing severe acoustic interruption between nerve endings/fingers/toes/brain!
To make things worse; did I mention serious burns may occur due overheating underneath where point(s) touched the skin?
Types of Electrical CurrentsThat Can Cause Electrocution
Here is some science for the curious folks out there:
- Alternating Current (AC) flows back and forth while Direct Current (DC) only propagates unidirectionally.
- Low-voltage AC usually emits milder shocks than high-voltage DC even though both shocking events might cause injuries internally such as cardiac irregularities among other difficulties.
- Household electrical systems produce AC while chemical batteries are responsible for DC.
Fun fact: The famous inventor Nikola Tesla was fascinated by alternating current! Unfortunately, he also experienced several electrical shocks throughout his career.
Risk Factors and Causes of Electric Shocks
You might be tempted to touch that new power circuit in your house with a screwdriver or feel like sticking your finger into an outlet socket. RESIST THE TEMPTATION!
Electrical appliances and gadgets have become so ubiquitous in our lives nowadays that being subjected to electric shock is one risk we take every day without realising it – performing DIY projects with faulty wirings/working around high-voltage towers among other unprepared scenarios increases the risks of experiencing electrical shock on various degrees depending on which method suited closest.
Not forgetting those who need reminders; always prioritise safety before going ahead with any activities. Avoid exposing yourself to wires or plugs that you know can hurt you- think duh!
Here’re some probable causes/electrical hazards causing electric shocks:
1) Falls involving electricity contact caused by improper hand placement - only handle cables when device(s)/circuits have master switches/devices turned off. 2) Short-circuits 3) Overloading arcs 4) Lightning strikes
Suffering from ailments such as anxiety, fatigue, stress levels over-the-roof amplifies effects worsening medical diagnosis best left remembered rather than mentioned now!
Please note these are just examples- there are many ways people can experience an electric shock. Awareness is key—it helps us avoid risky behaviour sabotaging chances of electrocution while manipulating charged items individually never described more simply.
Upon coming into direct contact with bare live conductors/upcoming charging conducting material using absorbent qualities—such as combustible clothing—including attachments elongating flow through bodies until reaching Earth's ground sends jolts via nerves/verbal shrieks/set off emergency shut off systems etc.
- Electric shocks cause involuntary muscle contractions and a person may not be able to let go of the source.
- Injuries can range from minor burns, tingling sensations in fingers/numbness, muscle twists or spasms all the way up to fatal consequences—depending on factors such as frequency/amplitude levels affecting human body interactions at molecular level.
Pro Tip: Superman might be immune to electric shocks, but humans are most certainly aren't.
Like mentioned earlier; you MUST know what you're doing if this ever happens. Here's a step-by-step process in case you get shocked by electricity; 1) Immediately turn off power sources - do not ignore active powering mechanisms due incorrect elements. 2) If it’s impossible/impracticalto disconnect the electrical source (e.g., someone is being zapped while still grasping onto sticks/yarn with dry hands), rush over donning non-conductive clothing/dampened gloves footwear/gum shoes—try cutting conductive fibers surrounding them using long pliers before trying other attempts by sending distress signals so others would take notice & help bring relief immediately! 3) TUG HARD – your first instinct might leap towards aiding someone quickly. Remember that if your hand/body parts’ instincts tell otherwise—you're more likely also going to sustain injuries yourself while doing this. 4) Cut Grass Just Wait It Out – whether minutes/hours later they make full recoveries eventually; ensure their surroundings/nearby friends/family members knows about possible occurrences of forthcoming symptoms related post-electroshock episodes.
Proactive Measures Against Electrical Shocks
Prevention is always better than cure! When it comes to preventing electrical shocks there are several steps that can be taken: - Always seek professional help for any faulty wiring issues, annual checks/maintain switches compatible with electrical components present around your home. - Always wear safety gear like gloves and goggles when handling electrical items because wire snip-cuts can slice through hands pretty brutal escalating skin burns depending on contact time for physical safety.
Fun Fact: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports ~30,000 nonfatal shock accidents occur each year-fire damage due such circumstances amounts to an average of $1.4 billion in damages that could have otherwise been avoided with needed preparedness!
Electric shocks aren't fun but hopefully now you know how to deal with them if they happen to you or someone else. Some people may still think it's a joke to play around electricity—poking their fingers into sockets as if they're living versions of Harvey Dent played by Aaron Eckhart—but let’s save the drama for reality tv shows here? The key takeaway is not only knowing what steps need be taken during/afterwards within this situation but incorporating routines towards reducing probability experiencing similar instances occurring likewise increasing prevention methods implemented lead enjoyable/happy-go-lucky life where we always prioritize safety first.