Electrical Safety & Basic First Aid for Electrocution

If your friend, family member, colleague, or another passerby suffers a severe electric shock, what would you do? Would you panic or help them? If someone suffers an electric shock, immediate first aid can prevent further harm and save their life.

Electricity poses serious risks if not handled safely. Electrical accidents can lead to severe burns, nerve damage, cardiac arrest, or even death. Understanding electrical safety and knowing how to respond to electrocution emergencies can help prevent tragedies.

Here are essential first-aid steps for electrocution to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Ensure Your Own Safety First

✔ Do NOT touch the person while they are still in contact with electricity—you could get electrocuted too.

✔ Turn off the power source if possible.

✔ If you cannot turn off the power, use a non-conductive object (wooden stick, plastic broom handle) to push them away from the source.

Check for Breathing & Pulse

✔ If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking.

✔ If they are not breathing or have no pulse, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately:

Chest compressions: Place hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast (100–120 compressions per minute).

Rescue breaths: If you are trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.

Treat Burns & Injuries

✔ Cool electrical burns by running cold water over the area for at least 10 minutes.

✔ Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

❌ DO NOT apply ice or ointments to burns.

✔ Check for entry and exit wounds, as the electric current may have traveled through the body.

Watch for Signs of Shock

✔ Lay the person down with legs slightly elevated (unless they have head, neck, or spine injuries).

✔ Keep them warm and reassured until emergency help arrives.

Seek Immediate Medical Help

✔ Even if the person appears fine, call emergency services

✔ Electrical injuries can cause internal damage that may not be immediately visible.

Electrical accidents can be fatal, but they are also preventable with proper safety measures. By following basic electrical safety and knowing first aid for electrocution, you can protect yourself and others from harm.