The male patient, 36 years old, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, suddenly collapsed while working on a sewing machine. People around suspected the victim of being electrocuted and quickly took him to the nearest medical facility.
When admitted to the hospital, the patient fell into a state of circulatory and respiratory arrest. The emergency team immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electroshock and recorded that the patient had a natural circulatory restoration, then urgently transferred to People's Hospital 115.
In the Department of Intensive Care and Toxicology, the patient was closely monitored and treated with intensive care according to a professional protocol. Thanks to timely intervention, after about 48 hours, the patient was removed from the trachea. After only nearly a week of treatment, the patient recovered almost completely and was eligible for discharge.
The moment the patient was awake and talking with relatives brought special emotion to the family and the entire treatment team.
According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Tin - Department of Intensive Care and Toxicology, People's Hospital 115, electricity is an essential energy source in daily life and production, but it also poses many risks if incidents occur. Electric shock accidents can cause body damage through three main mechanisms: heat generation, rupture of cell membranes and modification of macromolecules. More dangerously, electric shock can lead to heart rate disorders, cardiac arrest and multi-organ damage.
It is noteworthy that low-frequency alternating current, a common type of electricity in daily life, easily causes muscle stiffness and attracts victims to the power source. If not detected and handled promptly, people who are electrocuted are at risk of respiratory and circulatory arrest for a short time.
From the reality of treatment, doctors recommend that when suspected of an electric shock accident, the most important thing is to ensure safety for the rescuer. It is necessary to quickly turn off the power with a switch, aptomat; absolutely do not directly touch the victim when the power source has not been cut off. In case it is not possible to turn off the power, use a dry, non-electric object to separate the victim from the power source. At the same time, call emergency services immediately and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation early if the victim does not breathe or does not respond.
In addition, people, especially those working in high-risk environments, need to be trained in electrocution first aid skills. In daily life, checking the electrical system, maintaining equipment periodically, avoiding operations when hands are wet or humid, not using electrical outlets, overloading, and keeping electric wires away from water sources are simple but important measures in preventing accidents.
