Sometimes you or an animal can hear the quiet buzz or click when the pulse occurs. If nothing else is touching the electric fence, the electricity then flows down into the ground via a metal rod sunk into the earth. According to EU law, the electrical energy of each pulse should not exceed 5 joules at 50 ohms of resistance.
This represents a very low output power, equivalent to a dim household light bulb. If this happens whilst they are also in contact with the earth i. The person or animal will feel a rapid electrical shock, which may range from a small buzz to a very painful jolt. The electricity is discharged in less than one second and is usually DC direct current. The severity of the shock depends on a number of factors:.
If there is a chain of two or more people in contact with the fence, for example, a child who is holding the hand of an adult who then touches a fence, the electrical shock will pass through both people. A shock from an electric fence should be no more than an uncomfortable deterrent to an escaping animal or trespassing person.
However, we can never be sure of the reliability of the equipment and set-up of the fence, or the technical standards adhered to in other countries. In reality, you may not know the precise scientific characteristics of an electrical shock that has just occurred but remember that all electric shocks can result in injuries and sometimes death and therefore must be taken seriously.
Here is the First Aid Protocol for assessing and treating an electrically injured person, whilst keeping yourself safe. Think — your own safety first! In a domestic situation e. But in medical terms, shock is when you do not have enough blood circulating around your body. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Some of the causes of shock include uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns and spinal injury. If the blood flow is not restored, the person may die from complications due to lack of oxygen supply to major organs hypoxia. At first, the body responds to this life-threatening situation by constricting narrowing blood vessels in the extremities hands and feet. This is called vasoconstriction and it helps conserve blood flow to the vital organs.
When this happens, the blood pressure drops, which can be fatal. Many things affect the severity and effect of shock on a person, such as their health, age, gender and personality, where on their body they are injured, and the environment. If a person has emotional distress or sudden fright, their body releases adrenaline into the bloodstream, but this usually reverses itself in a healthy person. Symptoms of shock Depending on the cause, symptoms and signs of shock may include: Pale, cold, clammy skin Shallow, rapid breathing Difficulty breathing Anxiety Rapid heartbeat Heartbeat irregularities or palpitations Thirst or a dry mouth Low urine output or dark urine Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Light-headedness Confusion and disorientation Unconsciousness.
Types of shock Some of the different types of medical shock include: Hypovolaemic — meaning not enough blood volume. Causes include bleeding, which could be internal such as a ruptured artery or organ or external such as a deep wound or dehydration. Chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration or severe burns can also reduce blood volume and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure Cardiogenic — caused when the heart cannot effectively pump blood around the body.
The blood vessels below the spinal injury relax and expand dilate and cause a drop in blood pressure Septic — an infection makes the blood vessels dilate, which drops blood pressure. For example, an E. Obstructive shock can be caused by cardiac pericardial tamponade, which is an abnormal build-up of fluid in the pericardium the sac around the heart that compresses the heart and stops it from beating properly, or pulmonary embolism a blood clot in the pulmonary artery, blocking the flow of blood to the lungs Endocrine — in a critically ill person, a severe hormonal disorder such as hypothyroidism may stop the heart from functioning properly and lead to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
First aid for shock Medical shock is a life-threatening emergency. If the person is conscious, lie them down and keep them warm and comfortable.
Loosen their clothing. If possible, raise their legs above the level of their torso and head to improve blood flow to the brain, heart and lungs. Do not raise their legs if you suspect a spinal injury or if moving their legs causes pain, such as in the case of a suspected fracture in their leg s. Manage any obvious signs of external bleeding. For example, firmly press a clean cloth or pad against a wound to stop blood loss.
If blood seeps through and soaks the cloth, do not remove it. Add another cloth or pad over the top of the first one. In the case of a serious injury or illness, it's important to look out for signs of shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to provide enough oxygenated blood to the body and, as a result, deprives the vital organs of oxygen. This is usually the result of severe blood loss, but it can also occur after severe burns, severe vomiting, a heart attack, a bacterial infection, or a severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis.
The type of shock described here isn't the same as the emotional response of feeling shocked, which can also occur after an accident. Seek medical help immediately if you notice that someone has any of the above signs of shock. The FAST guide is the most important thing to remember when dealing with people who have had a stroke. The earlier they receive treatment, the better.
Call for emergency medical help straight away. Read more about the symptoms of a stroke. When you call , you'll be asked what service you need, as well as:. The call handler may advise you on how to assist the casualty until help arrives. Page last reviewed: 13 November Next review due: 13 November What to do If someone is injured, you should: first check that you and the casualty aren't in any danger, and, if possible, make the situation safe if necessary, dial for an ambulance when it's safe to do so carry out basic first aid Find out what to do after an incident If someone is unconscious and breathing If someone is unconscious but breathing, and has no other injuries that would stop them being moved, place them in the recovery position until help arrives.
Keep them under observation to ensure they continue to breathe normally. If someone is unconscious and not breathing If someone is not breathing normally, call and start CPR straight away.
Read more about CPR Common accidents and emergencies Here are some of the most common injuries that may need emergency treatment in the UK and information about how to deal with them. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after an insect sting or eating certain foods. Find out how to treat anaphylaxis Bleeding heavily If someone is bleeding heavily, the main aim is to prevent further blood loss and minimise the effects of shock.
First, dial and ask for an ambulance as soon as possible. If nothing is embedded: Apply and maintain pressure to the wound with your gloved hand, using a clean pad or dressing if possible. Continue to apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
Use a clean dressing to bandage the wound firmly. If bleeding continues through the pad, apply pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops, and then apply another pad over the top and bandage it in place.
Do not remove the original pad or dressing, but continue to check that the bleeding has stopped. Make sure the severed limb goes with the patient to hospital. Always seek medical help for bleeding, unless it's minor. Find out how to treat minor bleeding from cuts and grazes Find out how to treat nosebleeds Burns and scalds If someone has a burn or scald: Cool the burn as quickly as possible with cool running water for at least 20 minutes, or until the pain is relieved.
Call or seek medical help, if needed. While cooling the burn, carefully remove any clothing or jewellery, unless it's attached to the skin. If you're cooling a large burnt area, particularly in babies, children and elderly people, be aware that it may cause hypothermia it may be necessary to stop cooling the burn to avoid hypothermia. Cover the burn loosely with cling film. If cling film isn't available, use a clean, dry dressing or non-fluffy material.
Do not wrap the burn tightly as swelling may lead to further injury. Do not apply creams, lotions or sprays to the burn. If possible, determine the cause of the injury. Call for immediate medical help. Find out how to treat burns and scalds Choking The following information is for choking in adults and children over 1 year old. Find out what to do if a baby under 1 year old is choking Mild choking If the airway is only partly blocked, the person will usually be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe.
If choking is mild: Encourage the person to cough to try to clear the blockage. Ask them to try to spit out the object if it's in their mouth.
Do not put your fingers in their mouth if you can't see the object, as you risk pushing it further down their mouth. If coughing doesn't work, start back blows. Severe choking If choking is severe, the person won't be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe, and without help they'll eventually become unconscious. To help an adult or child over 1 year old: Stand behind the person and slightly to one side.
Support their chest with 1 hand. Lean the person forward so the object blocking their airway will come out of their mouth, rather than moving further down. Give up to 5 sharp blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand the heel is between the palm of your hand and your wrist.
Check if the blockage has cleared. If not, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts. To perform abdominal thrusts on a person who is severely choking and isn't in one of the above groups: Stand behind the person who is choking. Place your arms around their waist and bend them well forward. Clench 1 fist and place it just above the person's belly button. Place your other hand on top of your fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
0コメント