What we do if you put your fingers in the socket
Whether it's pure curiosity or fun, Many children are attracted to electricity. From this interaction can generate many very dangerous accidents for the smallest of the house.
Electrical injuries
The contact and the passage of electricity through the human body can cause important injuries in the internal tissues and even cause cardiac arrest. This element is also the culprit of numerous Burns and destruction of nervous system.
To prevent these accidents all households must ensure the safety of the smallest of the following ways:
-Install in all household plugs specific security elements to avoid direct contact with electricity. An example of the success of the implantation of this type of devices in homes is the case of the United States, a country where they reduced up to 60% this type of domestic accident.
- Avoid the manipulation of plugs and wiring in front of the child, since he can imitate his father, which is very dangerous.
- Unused appliances must be unplugged and with the cable collected to avoid unnecessary dangers.
- Before handling plugs or cables to fix them, you have to disconnect previously the general electric current and of course never leave bare wires within reach of children.
- Never plug sockets or appliances with the wet hands. In the bathroom, all electronic items must be kept in a safe place and kept away from children, especially after bathing.
- The use of extensions and multiple plug connections.
How to act in case of accident
If unfortunately at home one of these occurs accidents, we must act quickly and correctly. These are some of the recommendations of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, AEP, to proceed in case the child suffers an electrical mishap:
- Disconnect electricity turning off all the circuit breakers at home. Removing the current from an appliance may not interrupt the electrical flow.
- In the case of not being able to disconnect the electricity, it is necessary to try separate the child with a wooden object such as a broom, or a chair, with plastic, rubber or a carpet. Never use a metallic or wet object.
- Can also be placed on top of the child several newspapers folded to isolate the person who helps the child.
- Call the telephone number emergencies and act according to your instructions.
- Never touch directly with your hand who is suffering the influence of a current since this contact causes electricity to pass to the body of the person who is helping.
First aid
When the child is finally separated from the electric current, it is necessary to proceed first aid. If you are unconscious you will have to check if the child breathes. In case you do not have to start doing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers.
If you are conscious, you have to take him to a medical center so that they value it and provide the appropriate treatment. In case of burns, cold water should be applied to calm the pain, but never ice, butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies. Also, do not remove dead skin or break the blisters.
Damián Montero
