Don’t let Baby get shocked

Children, particularly toddlers, are notorious for their innocent curiosity of their immediate surroundings. More often than not, they put themselves in harm’s way without realising it.

This is why parents are required to keep a watchful eye over their loved ones lest a fatal accident, which could have been avoided, occurs. With modernization of most homes, one risk that ignorant children are exposed to is electrocution. Switches and plugs are with us every day to help us in powering our electrical appliances. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we take extra precautionary measures to ensure that we put the people we care about out of danger.

When the human body comes in direct contact with a source of electricity, the current passes through it, producing what’s called an electric shock. The impact of the shock depends on the voltage of the current and the length of contact, and can cause anything from minor discomfort to serious injury or death.

How it happens

Injuries can take place when electric toys, appliances or tools are used in correctly. Toddlers also bite into electrical cords or poke them with forks or knives creating unprotected outlets. Moreover, shock may happen when an electric current comes into contact with the water where a child is seated or standing. Research shows that only 20 percent of electric shock cases occur due to lightning worldwide.

5 Action tips

– Turn off the power—pull the plug or switch off the electricity at the fuse box or circuit breaker. If this is impossible, separate your child from the current with a dry, non-conductive object like a wooden or plastic broomstick

-Call for help immediately incase of accidents

-Check your child’s breathing rate and pulse—if your child has a pulse but isn’t breathing, perform rescue breathing. Tilt her chin up to open her airway. Give an infant two quick puffs while covering her mouth and nose with your mouth. For a child over 1, pinch her nose and give two breaths, sealing your mouth over hers. Continue this until breathing is restored or medical personnel arrive

-If you can’t feel a pulse at all, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). For infants, give one breath after every five compressions. For children eight years or older, give two breaths every 15 compressions

-Check for burns once your child resumes breathing— apply cool, wet cloths to first or second degree burns (with blisters, redness or swelling). Elevate the affected areas and leave the more serious burns (leathery skin that may look grey, black or charred) to medical personnel

9 Prevention tips

» Until your child learns how to stay away from j electrical outlets, cover them with plug covers and position heavy furniture in front of them

» Supervise your child when they are playing with electric toys or when using electrical appliances like a toaster

» Replace frayed wires and keep all electrical cords out of reach

» Make sure your child cannot pull plugs out, because : if they do and or put them into their mouth, it could be very serious

» Don’t allow your child to play outside or swim during storms

» Use circuit breakers to shut off electric power if the flow of electricity is interrupted. They also help prevent electric shock in damp areas

» Always check appliances and cables for damage or any faults

» Unplug appliances when not in use or keep them away from children

» When outdoors with your child, watch for broken electrical poles or fallen wires — especially after a storm.

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