Request for Assistance in Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy

摘要

Recommendations for life saving measures aimed at workers who contact electrical energy are presented in a NIOSH Alert. Standards and guidelines produced by the 1985 National Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care indicate two levels of emergency aid: basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can be administered by trained lay persons; and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), involving special equipment operated by medical personnel. The speed of administering aid is essential to successful resuscitation. Highest success rates are found when CPR is begun within 4 minutes of cardiac arrest and ACLS within 8 minutes. Recommendations include prevention; safe work practices such as a buddy system, CPR training, and knowledge of circuit deenergization; availability and administration of CPR within 4 minutes; and availability of ACLS within 8 minutes.