BASIC ELECTRONICS - OD1633 - LESSON 1/TASK 1
(and that only for a short time), death will surely result from continued
lack of breathing.
However, the heart may continue to beat for some time after breathing has
stopped, and the blood may still be circulated to body cells.
Since the
blood will, for a short time, contain a small supply of oxygen, the body
cells will not die immediately.
For a very few minutes, there is some
chance that the person's life may be saved.
The process by which a person who has stopped breathing can be saved is
called ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION (RESPIRATION).
The purpose of artificial
respiration is to force air out of the lungs and into the lungs, in rhythmic
alternation, until natural breathing is re-established.
Artificial
respiration should be given only when natural breathing has stopped.
It
should NOT be given to any person who is breathing naturally. You should
not assume that an individual who is unconscious due to electrical shock has
stopped breathing. To tell if someone suffering from an electrical shock is
breathing, place your bands on the person's sides, at the level of the
lowest ribs. If the victim is breathing, you will usually be able to feel
the movement. Remember: DO NOT GIVE ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION TO A PERSON WHO
IS BREATHING NATURALLY.
Records show that seven out of ten victims of
electric shock were revived when artificial respiration was started in less
than three minutes.
After three minutes, the chances of revival decrease
rapidly.
Once it has been determined that breathing has stopped, the person nearest
the victim should start the artificial respiration without delay and send
others for assistance and medical aid. The only logical, permissible delay
is that required to free the victim from contact with the electricity in the
quickest, safest way.
This step, while it must be done quickly, must be
done with great care; otherwise, there may be two victims instead of one.
In the case of portable electric tools, lights, appliances, equipment, or
portable outlet extensions, this should be done by turning off the power
supply. This can be accomplished in one of two ways; (1) by simply turning
off the switch, (2) by removing the power cord from the receptacle. If the
switch or receptacle cannot be quickly located, the suspected electrical
device may be pulled free of the victim.
Other persons arriving on the
scene
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