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in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
A 16-year-old boy died on Wednesday June 21 in Marseille, in his bath. He was electrocuted by his laptop, plugged into the mains near him. His mother, who discovered him, tried to resuscitate him with cardiac massage, in vain.
A 16-year-old man died in his bath because of his mobile phone, plugged into the mains. Traces of burns on the body of the young boy, in particular on his right wrist and on his chest, suggest that he was electrocuted, according to our colleagues from the Provence.
A discovery made by the young man’s mother
The unfortunate was discovered by his mother, the latter being surprised at the time taken by her son in the bathroom. Having knocked on the door and getting no answer, she ended up entering the room where she found her son unconscious, the phone charging near him. She immediately called the firefighters who explained to her how to do cardiac massage. The Samu, sent on the spot, could only note the death of the young man.
Explanations from Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo
“Let us first recall the difference between electrification and electrocution, which are not the same thing. Electric shock is when you feel a mild electric shock. Electrocution is different, you die of it. It should be remembered that water being very conductive, you should never approach it with a plugged-in object in your hands. Young people have not really known Claude François and his tragic death, they are less aware of the dangers of electricity in the bathroom. So yes, you can use your cell phone in your bath, but it doesn’t have to be plugged in. To avoid any risk, you have to invest in an external battery. Or even better, disconnect during bath time, which should be a relaxing time. In the event of an accident, we remind you that you must immediately notify the emergency services, do not touch the victim directly before turning off the power, and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation as quickly as possible..