
According to the expert of Delhi-based BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, if a person feels an electric shock, first try to understand whether he is having any problem or difficulty in breathing? Check the pulse for 5 seconds on the wrist. Check the skin irritation/burn. See whether the person is conscious or not. Apart from this, see that there is no state of cardiac arrest or heart attack. Also, keep in mind that while touching it, keep in mind that there is no contact with the current.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, Senior Consultant and Academic Advisory Internal Medicine says that once his contact is broken from the current, he should be taken to the doctor immediately, so that he can be treated on time.

Many times there is no major change in the body immediately after the electric shock. But even after a few hours of shock, the problem may emerge. There may be problems such as muscle stretch or pain, difficulty in breathing, or abnormal heartbeat. In such a situation, if a person experiences unconsciousness, exhaustion, sharp heartbeat or chest pain, then it is necessary to contact and get ECG immediately.

After electric shock, doctors often recommend conducting ECG and blood tests. Apart from this, skin assessment can be done to check the depth of irritation or burning on the skin. If there is a possibility that the current has affected the brain, veins or internal organs, then CT scan or MRI may also have to be done.

Experts believe that the most important is to give first aid immediately after the current. First of all, wash the affected area with clean water, so that the risk of infection can be reduced. After this, to prevent swelling and irritation, compress cold water or ice. As soon as the person’s breath and pulse is done. If the breath is stopped or the pulse is not available then it is necessary to give CPR immediately.

If there is irritation on the skin due to current, then keep the affected part under the open tap water for at least 20 minutes. This will reduce irritation and protect the skin from damage. After this, cover the burnt space with clean and sterile gauze-bandage, so that there is no infection.

Do not waste time after these initial steps and contact the doctor immediately. Starting treatment at the right time can avoid serious problems and the patient’s recovery can be faster. Doctors can check like ECG, blood test, or scan if needed, so that it can be ensured that the effect of current does not go to the internal organs of the body.
Published at: 24 Jul 2025 02:15 PM (IST)

