IDAI: Prioritise Basic Life Support When Assisting Electrocuted Children

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) is reminding the public to apply Basic Life Support (BHD) principles when providing first aid to children who have suffered an electric shock, in order to improve the victim’s chances of survival before receiving medical treatment.

IDAI Chairperson Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp.Kardio(K) stated that initial treatment of electric shock victims must focus on checking the airway, breathing, and circulation according to emergency standards.

“Children who are electrocuted must be treated according to initial emergency standards, namely Airway, Breathing, and Circulation,” Piprim said on the sidelines of IDAI’s 72nd anniversary event at Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta, on Sunday.

He noted that the public often takes inappropriate actions when dealing with electric shock victims, such as rubbing them with oil or performing other methods unrelated to preserving vital bodily functions.

He explained that if the victim does not respond, the public must immediately perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as part of Basic Life Support before taking the victim to a health facility or while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.

“Often people are busy rubbing oil on the victim, when the priority is ensuring the airway is safe and the heart’s circulation is maintained,” he said.

Piprim added that Basic Life Support education is one of the activities held to commemorate IDAI’s 72nd anniversary as an effort to improve the community’s ability to handle emergency conditions.

In addition to BHD training for parents and Ragunan employees, the event also featured child growth and development screening, endocrine disorder screening, child health consultations, and various educational activities for families.

“We remain enthusiastic about serving the community,” Piprim said.