First Aid, CPR, and Electrical Shock Response

Why Every Electronics and Telecom Technician Must Know First Aid

Electronics and telecom work puts you close to energized conductors, elevated work surfaces, and chemical hazards such as battery electrolyte. Injuries can happen faster than help can arrive. A technician who knows first aid and CPR is often the only person standing between a coworker and permanent injury or death. This lesson prepares you to respond correctly, safely, and effectively.

Electrical Shock: Scene Safety First

The single most important rule when a coworker has been shocked: do not touch the victim until you have confirmed the power is off. A person in contact with a live conductor becomes part of the circuit. Grabbing them without isolating the source will shock you too, creating two victims instead of one.

The correct sequence for an electrical shock emergency is:

1. Assess the scene. Look before you move. Identify the power source — panel, outlet, equipment chassis, or overhead line.

2. Isolate the power. Use lockout/tagout procedures if the equipment is under your control. If not, call for someone who can shut off the breaker or disconnect. Never use your bare hands to move a wire or pull the victim free while power may still be on.

3. Call 911 (or have someone else call while you act). Report that an electrical injury has occurred. Dispatchers can give real-time guidance.

4. Confirm power is off, then approach. Check for responsiveness — tap the shoulder and shout. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.

5. Look for entry and exit wounds. Electrical current enters through one point on the body and exits through another, often the feet. Both wounds may look small on the surface while hiding deep tissue damage. Do not assume the injury is minor because the external wound is small. Keep the victim still and let emergency medical services (EMS) assess for internal injury.

6. Treat for shock (hypoperfusion). Keep the victim warm and calm. Do not give food or water.

Hands-Only CPR and Two-Rescuer CPR

Hands-only CPR (compression-only) is appropriate for adult victims found unresponsive and not breathing normally. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches (at least 2 inches, not more than 2.4 inches for adults). Allow full chest recoil between compressions — do not lean on the chest. Continue without stopping until an AED is ready or EMS takes over.

Two-rescuer CPR divides the work. One rescuer performs compressions; the other manages the airway and delivers rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths). Rescuers should switch compressor roles every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue, which degrades compression quality. Communicate clearly before switching so compressions pause for no more than 10 seconds.

For infant victims, use two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line. Compression depth is approximately 1.5 inches and rate is the same 100–120 per minute.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED can restore a normal heart rhythm when the victim is in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Steps:

1. Power on the AED — most units guide you with voice prompts.

2. Attach pads to the victim's bare, dry chest: one pad below the right collarbone, one pad on the left side of the chest below the armpit.

3. Let the AED analyze — keep everyone clear of the victim.

4. If a shock is advised, ensure no one is touching the victim, then press the shock button.

5. Immediately resume CPR starting with compressions. Reanalyze every 2 minutes per AED prompts.

Pressure Bandages and Wound Care

For bleeding wounds from a fall or laceration, apply a clean dressing directly over the wound and press firmly. If blood soaks through, add more material on top — do not remove the first layer. Maintain pressure until EMS arrives. Tourniquets are appropriate for life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure.

Chemical Spill: Battery Electrolyte

Lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid electrolyte. If a spill occurs:

1. Alert coworkers and evacuate non-essential personnel.

2. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the specific battery product — it identifies PPE requirements and neutralization procedures.

3. Don appropriate PPE: chemical-splash goggles, acid-resistant gloves, and apron before approaching the spill.

4. If electrolyte contacts skin or eyes, flush immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

5. Contain and clean up the spill per the SDS and your facility's hazardous materials procedures.

Documenting a Workplace Injury

After any incident, an accurate record protects you, your coworker, and your employer. OSHA requires employers to record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log. As a technician you may be asked to complete or contribute to this form. Record the date, location, description of the incident, body part affected, and any medical treatment beyond first aid. Accurate documentation supports investigation and prevention.