IDAI Warns of Dangers of Incorrectly Handling Electrocuted Children, Outlines Key Steps

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has reminded the public to apply Basic Life Support (BHD) principles when administering 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. dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp.Kardio(K) stated that initial handling of an electrocution victim must focus on checking the airway, breathing, and blood circulation according to emergency standards. “A child who has been electrocuted must be treated according to initial emergency standards, namely Airway, Breathing, and Circulation,” Piprim said during the peak event of IDAI’s 72nd anniversary at Ragunan Wildlife Park, Jakarta, on Sunday. According to him, the public often takes incorrect actions when dealing with electrocution victims, such as rubbing oil or performing other methods unrelated to saving the body’s vital functions. Yet, he said, the most important step is ensuring the victim’s airway remains open and checking breathing and blood circulation conditions. 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 waiting for medical help to arrive. “Often people are busy rubbing oil, when the main priority is ensuring the airway is safe and the heart circulation is maintained,” he said. Piprim added that Basic Life Support education was one of the activities held during the 72nd IDAI anniversary celebrations as an effort to improve the public’s ability to deal with emergency situations. In addition to BHD training for parents and Ragunan employees, the activities also included 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 concluded.