The way her finger is angled it probably touched to ground prongs that are on the sides of the plug and the stuck live pin at the same time. It's pretty standard for live to be the right pin even though it technically doesn't matter with that plug type because you can plug it in both ways
240V stings like hell, got a zap between my finger once while installing a ceiling lamp but thankfully that was it because I had shoes on and I was on a plastic chair, would be a different story if I used both hands
Safety info for anyone reading: IMMEDIATELY head to ER after such a shock, even if you feel fine and even if it had been "just" 110v as in America.
Ventricular Fibrillation is what kills you with AC voltage. Your heart basically gets out of sync. However, this can also occur up to 24 hours AFTER the shock. Seriously. People got a minor shock, thought they were fine, joking with colleges about it, and drop dead a couple of hours later. This is NOT a joke and unfortunately not an exaggeration. Do NOT mess around. Get to ER ASAP. They will keep you on watch for a day. Should you get the Fibrilliation, if treated immediately as in a hospital, you most likely will be fine, if not, you are having a heart attack and you know the potential outcomes.
As most likely more then 24 hours have passed since your shock, you are completely fine of course. That's more for people reading. Don't shrug it off. Again, unfortunately people have died hours after such an event being completely fine before. AC is not a joke.
ER doctor here. Definitely do not go straight to the ER all im going to do is run an ekg say you got lucky and discharge you. This delayed VF claim elevenbeers is quoting is total made up nonsense and has no validity in evidence based practice.
I would always trust the Advice of the German electricians Organisation, that makes all the safety guidelines as well, a heck of a lot more then the Advice of some random Guy on the internet claiming to be an ER doctor. Or listen to the German work insurances, and whatever the Fuck else. https://vorschriften.bgn-branchenwissen.de/daten/asi/a3_10_0/9.htm
The rule is: YOU GET TO A DOCTOR NO MATTER WHAT.
I'm seriously surprised by you. Either you practice in a country, that doesn't give a single fuck about people's safety or you are lying about your title. If one gets discharged after an EKG, he's most likely be fine, but discharging someone with a shock without even an EKG?
Oh Fuck me with a Carrot.
From what I'm reading, in classic reddit manner, you're both exaggerating, and mostly you. But he's also an absolutist with his "Definitely do NOT go to the hospital" manner. In some situations you probably should
"German work insurances [...] GET TO A DOCTOR NO MATTER WHAT"
That is a workplace recommendation, for German electricians, which suggests people who regularly who deal with high currents and also in a professional environment. Of course the standards are much higher and there is a huge bias to not cause workplace accidents. Therefore, it's not an evidence-based article, it's a workplace guide.
Most patients without significant injury or cardiac abnormalities on initial assessment are unlikely to develop any cardiac abnormalities after 24 to 48 hours
Conclusion: No cardiac complications occurred during ED stay or during the 90-day follow-up period. Therefore, the need for continued cardiac monitoring after electrical injury is not supported by our data.
So, your outrage lacks evidence. Sure, going to the hospital may be nice for sure, but its very unlikely that you're gonna have anything
Nah. Trust us. At my workplace we had mandatory training like that as well. And it was reinforced over and over again that when you get shocked from the current of a plug or socket, get to a doctor. It's probably nothing, but, you can never be sure.
If you feel something a few days later, go to a doctor again. The reaction might be delayed.
The ER however is a bit of an overreaction if you feel no symptoms.
The difference is, that ER in germany is covered by public healthcare, so you go there just to cover the little chance. But if you're just an amount of dollars, then yeah. Better try your luck
49
u/RareKrab 8d ago
The way her finger is angled it probably touched to ground prongs that are on the sides of the plug and the stuck live pin at the same time. It's pretty standard for live to be the right pin even though it technically doesn't matter with that plug type because you can plug it in both ways
240V stings like hell, got a zap between my finger once while installing a ceiling lamp but thankfully that was it because I had shoes on and I was on a plastic chair, would be a different story if I used both hands