Young children are naturally active and curious, making them prone to contact with unshielded electrical devices and outlets. Electric shock can cause skin burns at the point of contact, potentially leading to respiratory failure, heart failure, or even cardiac arrest and death if not given timely first aid.

Doctor Nguyen Do Trong, a specialist in pediatric surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, provides guidance on first aid steps for children who have suffered electric shock, aiming to reduce the risk of severe complications.

Disconnect the Power and Call Emergency Services

Upon discovering a child has been electrocuted, the first responder must quickly disconnect the power source by turning off the switch, circuit breaker, or unplugging the device. The first responder should stand on a dry, insulating material such as wood, plastic, or rubber, and use a non-conductive object to separate the child from the power source. It is crucial not to touch the child directly before the power is disconnected. Simultaneously, call emergency services immediately for assistance.

If a child is shocked by high-voltage electricity, the first responder should not approach the child but must stand at least 6 meters away until the power source is disconnected, due to the risk of electrical discharge. Do not use metal objects or wet items to touch the child, as this can easily cause further electric shock.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if the Child is Unconscious

After being separated from the power source, if the child is unconscious, has no pulse, and is not breathing, the first responder should check for respiration and pulse, then initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The first responder needs to perform chest compressions combined with rescue breaths.

To perform: Place hands in the center of the child's chest, performing continuous chest compressions at approximately 100 times per minute. Combine this with rescue breaths at a ratio of 30 chest compressions to two rescue breaths, continuing until the child shows signs of recovery. During this process, the child should be placed on a firm, well-ventilated surface, avoiding soft surfaces like spring mattresses, as these reduce the effectiveness of chest compressions.

Doctor Tran Hieu Thao, from the Emergency Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, demonstrates chest compressions for first aid in child electric shock victims. Illustration: Thuy Trang

Doctor Tran Hieu Thao, from the Emergency Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, demonstrates chest compressions for first aid in child electric shock victims. Illustration: Thuy Trang

Doctor Trong emphasizes that if a child is unconscious or unresponsive, the first responder must still perform rescue breaths and chest compressions. Once the child shows signs of regaining consciousness, cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be stopped, and the child should be quickly transported to the hospital.

In many cases, when a child has burns, family members pour water on them. Water on the skin reduces electrical resistance by 10-15 times, exacerbating the injury. First responders should not perform "cao gio" (a traditional Vietnamese folk remedy involving rubbing the skin with a coin or similar object) or apply oil to the child, as these methods are ineffective and delay emergency care.

Parents should avoid directly touching or pulling the child away while the power source is still connected. If the child has electrical burns, parents should not peel off dead skin or break blisters. Do not use ice, apply cream, or rub ointment on the wound; instead, cover the electrical burn with sterile gauze.

Monitor Health and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if a child appears conscious and has no obvious injuries after the power is disconnected, parents must still take them to the hospital for a comprehensive medical examination.

To prevent the risk of electric shock in children, families should cover electrical outlets at home with safety devices, keep children from playing near televisions, fans, or electric stoves, and limit placing decorative lights within their reach. Cracked or exposed electrical wires must be replaced or properly insulated, and the household electrical system should be installed safely. Additionally, electrical devices should be arranged out of reach, and children should always be supervised during play and daily activities.

Minh Tam