First Aid Practice: Electric Shocks MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This quiz is for Class IX students studying Home Science (Code 064), focusing on the Practical unit. It covers the topic of First Aid for Electric Shocks, specifically the application of correct, school-appropriate first aid steps. Attempt all questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to see your score, then download the PDF answer sheet.

First Aid for Electric Shocks: Key Concepts

Electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source. The human body is a good conductor of electricity, and the current can cause severe damage. Knowing the correct first aid steps is crucial to prevent further injury or even death. The primary rule is to ensure your own safety before helping the victim.

Priority Steps in First Aid for Electric Shock

  1. Ensure Safety (Danger): The very first step is to protect yourself and others from the electrical source. Do not rush to touch the victim. First, turn off the main power supply if possible (e.g., switch off the main fuse box, unplug the appliance).
  2. Separate the Victim (if necessary): If the power cannot be turned off, you must use a non-conductive object to separate the person from the electrical source. Examples of safe materials include a dry wooden broom handle, a plastic rod, or a thick, dry piece of clothing. Never use metal or anything wet. Stand on a dry, insulated surface like a rubber mat or a pile of dry newspapers.
  3. Check for Response: Once the victim is safely away from the electrical source, check if they are conscious. Gently tap their shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?”.
  4. Call for Medical Help: Immediately call for an ambulance or emergency medical services. Electric shocks can cause internal injuries that are not immediately visible.
  5. Check Breathing and Pulse: Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. If the person is not breathing, and you are trained, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). If they are breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
  6. Treat Burns: Electrical shocks often cause burns at the entry and exit points of the current. Treat minor burns by cooling the area with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10-15 minutes. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
  7. Treat for Shock: The victim may go into physiological shock. Keep them lying down, and if possible, raise their legs slightly. Cover them with a blanket to keep them warm.

Do’s and Don’ts Summary

Do’s Don’ts
Turn off the main power source first. Do NOT touch the victim with your bare hands while they are still in contact with the electricity.
Use a dry, non-conductive object to move the person or the source. Do NOT use a wet or metal object to separate the victim from the source.
Call for emergency medical help immediately. Do NOT apply ice, ointments, or butter to burns.
Check for breathing and be prepared to give CPR if trained. Do NOT move the person unnecessarily, as they may have spinal injuries.

Quick Revision Points

  • Safety First: Never touch the victim until the power is off.
  • Non-conductive Materials: Wood, plastic, rubber, and dry cloth are your friends.
  • Call for Help: Professional medical help is always necessary after an electric shock.
  • Check Vitals: Assess consciousness, breathing, and pulse.
  • Burn Care: Cool water is the best immediate treatment for electrical burns.
  • Recovery Position: Use for an unconscious but breathing victim to keep their airway open.

Practice Questions

  1. Why is it important to stand on a dry surface when helping an electric shock victim?
  2. What is the ‘recovery position’ and when should it be used?
  3. Can an electric shock cause injuries that are not visible on the skin? Explain.
  4. Describe two examples of non-conductive materials you could find in a typical school classroom.
  5. Why should you avoid using a wet object to separate someone from an electrical source?