First Aid for Electrical Accidents for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Electrical Installation and Maintenance Work
Curriculum Theme: Safety and First Aid
Previous Lesson: Entrepreneurship and Merchandising in Electrical Installation
Topic: FIRST AID FOR ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS
Subject Matter: ACCIDENTS; First aid box; First treatment for electrical accident; Maintain accident record

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define an electrical accident.
• Identify the essential contents of a first aid box.
• State the steps for providing first treatment for electrical shock.
• Explain the importance of maintaining an accident record.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the necessity of prompt first aid in electrical emergencies.
• Develop a sense of responsibility for workplace safety.
• Show empathy towards victims of electrical accidents.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the use of various items in a first aid box.
• Apply first treatment procedures for minor cuts and burns.
• Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques.
• Demonstrate how to accurately fill an accident record book.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in simulated first aid scenarios.
• Communicate clearly during an emergency situation.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Electrical Installation and Maintenance Work textbook for SS 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A well-stocked first aid box (containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, pain relievers, gloves, etc.)
• First aid posters showing treatment for cuts, burns, and electrical shock
• A dummy or volunteer for demonstrating mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
• An accident record book template or sample

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is crucial for students pursuing Electrical Installation and Maintenance Work as it equips them with life-saving skills. Understanding and applying first aid for electrical accidents can prevent further injury, reduce suffering, and potentially save lives in emergency situations. It also fosters a strong safety culture, which is essential in the electrical field.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have a basic understanding of electrical hazards and general safety precautions in the workshop.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FIRST AID FOR ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

Understanding Accidents

An accident is an unplanned, undesirable event that results in injury, damage, or loss. In the context of electrical work, an electrical accident is any incident involving electricity that causes harm to a person or damage to property.

Common causes of electrical accidents include:

1. Faulty wiring or equipment.
2. Overloaded circuits.
3. Lack of proper insulation.
4. Ignoring safety procedures.
5. Working on live circuits without proper precautions.

The First Aid Box

A first aid box is a collection of supplies and equipment for giving immediate medical treatment, especially in an emergency. It should be easily accessible, clearly marked, and regularly checked and restocked.

Essential contents of a first aid box include:

1. Antiseptic wipes/solution: For cleaning wounds and preventing infection.
2. Sterile gauze pads: For covering wounds and controlling bleeding.
3. Adhesive bandages (plasters): For minor cuts and scrapes.
4. Roller bandages: For securing dressings or supporting sprains.
5. Adhesive tape: For holding dressings in place.
6. Scissors: For cutting bandages or clothing.
7. Tweezers: For removing splinters or small debris.
8. Pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol): For mild pain relief.
9. Antihistamine cream/tablets: For allergic reactions or insect bites.
10. Burn gel/cream: For treating minor burns.
11. Gloves: For protecting the first aider from contamination.
12. Safety pins: For securing bandages.
13. First aid manual: A guide for administering first aid.

First Treatment for Electrical Accidents

Immediate and correct first aid can significantly impact the outcome of an electrical accident. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of both the victim and the rescuer.

General Steps for Electrical Shock

1. Ensure Safety: Do not touch the victim while they are still in contact with the electrical source.
2. Disconnect Power: Turn off the main power switch or unplug the appliance. If this is not possible, use a non-conductive material (e.g., a dry wooden stick, plastic pipe) to push the victim away from the source.
3. Call for Help: Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 112 in Nigeria) or shout for assistance.
4. Check for Responsiveness: Gently shake the victim and ask if they are okay.
5. Check Breathing and Pulse: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Check for a pulse.
6. Administer CPR (if necessary): If the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately. This includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
7. Treat Burns: Cover any burns with a clean, dry dressing. Do not apply ice or ointments.
8. Keep Warm: Cover the victim with a blanket to prevent shock.
9. Monitor: Stay with the victim until medical help arrives, continuously monitoring their condition.

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation (Part of CPR)

This technique is used to provide oxygen to someone who has stopped breathing.

1. Position the Victim: Lay the victim on their back on a firm surface.
2. Open Airway: Tilt the head back gently, lift the chin to open the airway.
3. Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
4. Give Breaths: Pinch the victim’s nose shut. Take a normal breath, make a tight seal over their mouth with yours, and blow steadily for about 1 second to make the chest rise. Give two rescue breaths.
5. Check for Pulse/Circulation: If there is no pulse, begin chest compressions (30 compressions to 2 breaths).
6. Continue: Continue cycles of breaths and compressions until medical help arrives or the victim starts breathing on their own.

First Treatment for Cuts

1. Stop Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
2. Clean the Wound: Once bleeding stops, gently clean the wound with antiseptic wipes or solution and clean water.
3. Apply Dressing: Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or adhesive bandage.
4. Seek Medical Attention: For deep cuts or those that won’t stop bleeding, seek professional medical help.

First Treatment for Burns

1. Cool the Burn: Immediately hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10-20 minutes. Do not use ice.
2. Remove Jewellery/Clothing: Gently remove any rings, watches, or tight clothing from the burned area before swelling starts, unless they are stuck to the skin.
3. Cover the Burn: Cover the burn loosely with sterile gauze or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
4. Do Not Break Blisters: Avoid breaking any blisters that form.
5. Seek Medical Attention: For severe burns (large area, deep, or affecting face/hands/genitals), seek immediate medical attention.

Maintaining Accident Records

An accident record book is a formal document used to record details of any accident or incident that occurs in the workplace or school environment. It is important for:

1. Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements.
2. Investigation: Helping to identify causes and prevent future occurrences.
3. Insurance Claims: Providing evidence for compensation.
4. Safety Improvement: Highlighting areas where safety measures need to be enhanced.

Information to Record in an Accident Book

1. Date and time of the accident.
2. Location where the accident occurred.
3. Name and details of the injured person(s).
4. Description of the accident (what happened, how it happened).
5. Type and extent of injuries sustained.
6. Names of witnesses (if any).
7. First aid administered and by whom.
8. Action taken immediately after the accident.
9. Any follow-up actions required.
10. Signature of the person recording the accident.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them about common hazards in an electrical workshop. The teacher then introduces the topic: “First Aid for Electrical Accidents,” explaining its importance in saving lives and preventing further injury.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about workshop hazards and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Importance of first aid

Step 2: Understanding Accidents

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines what an accident is, specifically an electrical accident, and discusses common causes of electrical accidents. The teacher uses real-life examples to make the concept concrete.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion on accident causes.

Learning Point: Definition of electrical accidents

Step 3: The First Aid Box

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a first aid box, explains its purpose, and demonstrates each item within it, explaining its use. The teacher allows students to observe and touch the items.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the first aid box contents, touch the items, and ask questions about their uses.

Learning Point: Contents of first aid box

Step 4: First Treatment for Cuts and Burns

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the first treatment procedures for minor cuts and burns, using appropriate materials from the first aid box. The teacher guides students through the steps.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations carefully and practice the steps for treating cuts and burns under the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Treating cuts and burns

Step 5: First Treatment for Electrical Shock and Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the critical steps for responding to an electrical shock victim, emphasising safety first. The teacher then demonstrates mouth-to-mouth resuscitation using a dummy or volunteer, explaining each step clearly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration of electrical shock response and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, asking clarifying questions.

Learning Point: Electrical shock first aid

Step 6: Maintaining Accident Records

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of maintaining an accident record book and displays a sample or template. The teacher highlights the key information that must be recorded after an accident.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the accident record template and understand the type of information to be recorded.

Learning Point: Accident record keeping

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is an electrical accident?
2. Mention three essential items found in a first aid box.
3. Outline the first two steps to take when someone suffers an electrical shock.
4. Why is it important to maintain an accident record book?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding first aid procedures

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on first aid for electrical accidents into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of knowing first aid for electrical accidents and encouraging students to always prioritise safety. The teacher reminds them that prompt action can save lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of safety practices

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions and be prepared to demonstrate some first aid skills in the next class:

1. List five items you would expect to find in a standard first aid box and state the use of each.
2. Describe in your own words the immediate steps you would take if you witnessed someone receiving an electrical shock.
3. Explain the purpose of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
4. Design a simple accident report form that could be used in your school workshop, including all necessary fields.

Lesson Keywords

• Accident – An unplanned, undesirable event resulting in injury or damage.
• Electrical Accident – An incident involving electricity causing harm or damage.
• First Aid – Immediate care given to an injured or ill person before medical help arrives.
• First Aid Box – A container holding supplies for immediate medical treatment.
• Electrical Shock – Injury caused by electric current passing through the body.
• Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation – A method of artificial respiration to help someone breathe.
• Accident Record – A formal document detailing an accident for investigation and prevention.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can assign additional research on advanced first aid techniques or case studies of electrical accidents and their outcomes. For students needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams of first aid steps, offer one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations, or pair them with stronger students for peer support.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further visual learning, students can search on YouTube for:

• “First aid for electrical shock SS3”
• “How to perform mouth to mouth resuscitation”
• “Contents of a first aid box and their uses”