A 20-year-old was electrocuted after dropping his phone, which was plugged into an electrical outlet, in his bath water.
- The employees most affected by the electrical risk work in building and public works (31%), metallurgy (21%), service activities and temporary work (13%) and food (11%).
- In the event of a simple jolt without apparent lesions, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed to ensure that there are no heart rhythm disorders.
In Tence (Haute-Loire), a young man, aged 25, was found dead in his bathtub at his home on February 5. According to Progress, the deceased was using his phone, which was charging, during his bath and dropped it in the water. This incident caused an electrocution. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they tried to resuscitate him, but it was already too late.
What is the difference between electrification and electrocution?
His case is not the first to be reported. According to data provided by the National Observatory for Electrical Safety (ONSE) in 2020, 40 deaths by electrocution and 3,000 electrifications are recorded each year in France. As a reminder, electrification corresponds to the passage of an electric current in the body, causing more or less serious injuries. Clearly, the electric shock is without fatal consequences. We speak of “electrocution” only for cases of electrification resulting in death.
Electrification: what are the telltale signs?
In case of electrification, one feels a sensation of tingling, tingling, electric shock, even tetany with an impossibility of letting go of the electric source. According to health insurance, this incident is the cause of skin burns, ranging from simple redness to 2nd and 3rd degree burns at the point of entry and exit of the current. It can also be responsible for heart rhythm disorders, muscular, ocular, vascular, digestive and pulmonary lesions.
Very urgent care is needed in case of electrification
“The first minutes following the accident are very important for the victim’s chances of survival: it is therefore necessary to act very quickly and the time of intervention of first aid is decisive in the evolution of the state of health of the injured. “, can we read on the website from the National Institute for Research and Security (INRS).
To rescue an electrified person, it is advisable not to touch them and not to approach them if the electrical accident is high voltage. If the latter is low voltage, the electricity must be cut off immediately. Then, you must call 15 or 112. While waiting for help, the first steps must be taken until they arrive.
Electrocution: how to avoid it?
To avoid being electrocuted, the ONSE is recommended to charge its electrical or electronic devices outside of damp rooms and not to use in the bath or in the shower an electrical device connected to the mains, including a waterproof and resistant telephone. at the water. Another tip: do not handle a plugged-in electrical device with wet hands or feet or with your feet in water.
