FIRST AID IN THE X-RAY DEPARTMENT 201

ELECTRIC SHOCK
An electric shock is the result of an electric current passing through the
body. Electricity at high voltage is dangerous, but it is not the high
voltage itself which causes the shock, but the current through the body
which is produced by the high voltage in certain circumstances. These
circumstances may exist when there is failure in protective systems
incorporated in electrical apparatus.
Such apparatus is usually made safe to handle by two features:
insulated. This means in general that the electrical conductors
It
is
(i)

comprising the circuit are enclosed in non-conducting material, for

example the sheathing on electric flex for lamps and fires and on the
supply cables of X-ray sets.
Some part of the circuit

by
earthed. This may be done con
(ii)

is

necting to
metal buried in the ground or to pipe (such as
it

plate

a
a

a
water main) which goes into the ground. The earth can absorb vast

a
amount of electric charge, and connection of the apparatus to earth

is
a
measure for the safety of those using it.
There tendency for electricity to escape to earth, and where there
is
a

failure in the safety devices provided the path of least resistance may be
is

through the body of someone handling the equipment. So an electric

current passes through this person, and the degree of electric shock received
depends on the strength of the current.
If

the body offers high resistance

a

to the passage of electricity, then the current will be low and the shock
will be slight. low of electricity,
If

the body offers resistance to the passage

a

then the current will be high and the shock severe. Assuming the resistance
of the body to be constant,
higher voltage produces higher current.
a

is a

In fact the electrical resistance of the human body not constant and
can vary considerably. Factors which alter include the degree of wetness;
it

this why electrical equipment can be so dangerous in bathroom, and

is

why electric light switches in X-ray dark-rooms either are controlled

remotely by cords from the ceiling or are of special design which
a

enables them to be operated safely with wet hands. Features which

increase the resistance of the body to electric current are the wearing of
rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes, and standing on dry floors and on
insulating surfaces such as cork and rubber mats.
An electric current acts upon the muscles of the body and causes them
to contract. In this way the victim of the shock may be unable to breathe
because the respiratory muscles are affected, and his heart may stop beating
because the heart muscle involved. this muscular spasm which
It
is

is