March 11, 1978 remains a tragic date for millions of fans of Claude François. That day, the 39-year-old singer, at the top of his career, died in his bathroom. A brutal disappearance which left France in shock and which, 47 years later, continues to arouse questions. Recently invited in the Jordan de Luxe program, Fabien Lecoire, a radio and television columnist and close to the artist, returned to these dramatic moments, saying that the singer was not died immediately after his electrocution. Dr. Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, returns to electrocution, and how to protect it and avoid it.
A domestic accident with fatal consequences
The circumstances of his death are now known: leaving his bathtub, Claude François wanted to straighten a slightly offset electric bulb, while he was still soaked. The contact with the current was fatal to him. According to Fabien Lecoire, “Claude François is a domestic accident, a sad domestic accident“.
Claude François was not dead at the time
However, the famous singer would not have died instantly, still according to Fabien Lecoire: “Unfortunately, he did not died instantly. They took a long time to revive him. He came back to him. They lying on the carpet. When the firefighters arrived, he was sitting on a chair, with a towel, but he was haggard. They made him resuscitation because they saw that he had a form of unconsciousness already, but he was lucid“”.
Electrization or electrocution, what difference?
Dr. Kierzek specifies the difference between electrization and electrocution: “Electrization is the passage of the electric current in the body resulting in more or less serious injury, but without being fatal. Electrocution is a fatal electricalization“. The passage of the current can have serious consequences:”Internal and external burns, heart rate disorders, tetanic muscular contractions preventing letting go of the wire, neurological or muscular lesions“.
How to avoid electricity -related dramas?
For Dr. Kierzek, these accidents are avoidable. It reveals the simple gestures to apply:
At home :
- Always cut the current to the general circuit breaker before any work on an electrical installation;
- Never use an electrical device with wet hands, bare feet or in a damp environment (bathroom, near a swimming pool);
- Regularly checked your electrical installation by a professional;
- Equip your sockets with high sensitivity differential devices (30 mA). They detect current leaks and cut the circuit into a fraction of a second, saving lives;
- Disconnect the devices before cleaning them;
- Do not overload multiple sockets.
Outside:
- Locate the power lines before using a ladder, cut a hedge or cut a tree;
- Never approach a cable that has fallen to the ground. Stay more than 20 meters and immediately notify the emergency services (firefighters: 18, SAMU: 15) and ENEDIS (09 726 750 + Department number);
- Do not fall into an electrical processing position.
What to do with an electrocution victim?
In the event of an accident, an absolute rule: “Do not directly touch the victim if he is still in contact with the current. First cut the power supply“. If it is not possible, it is necessary to use a dry and non -driver object (dry carpet, newspaper stack, wooden chair …) to keep it away from the source, then practice first aid gestures.”If the victim is unconscious but breathes, put it in pls. If it is unconscious and does not breathe (or abnormal breathing): immediately start a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (RCP): alternate 30 thoracic compressions and 2 insufflations and call 15 or 18 ” Specifies Dr. Kierzek.
Even today, health authorities recall that a medical consultation is essential after any electricalization, even in the absence of visible symptoms, as heart or renal complications can occur several hours later.