Environmental
Electric Shock
Switch off the power before touching the person, then call 999 and treat any burns or start CPR if they are not breathing normally.
When to call 999. Call 999 for any high-voltage shock, any shock causing burns, unconsciousness, or abnormal heart rhythm symptoms, and for any electric shock in a child. Do not touch the person until you are sure the power is off.
What to do
- Switch off the electricity supply at the mains or unplug the appliance before touching the person.
- If you cannot turn off the power and the person is still in contact with it, do not touch them directly — for low voltage at home, use something that does not conduct electricity (such as a wooden broom) to separate them, standing on something dry.
- For high-voltage electricity (power lines), stay well back and call 999 — do not approach until told it is safe.
- Once it is safe, check whether the person is responsive and breathing normally.
- Call 999 and, if they are not breathing normally, start CPR.
- Cool any burns under running water and cover them loosely, as electrical burns can be deeper than they look.
Avoid
What not to do
Do not touch the person while they are still connected to the electricity, do not approach anyone in contact with high-voltage power lines, and do not use anything metal or wet to separate them. Do not underestimate electrical burns, which can be worse internally than they appear.
Afterwards and while you wait
Anyone who has had a significant electric shock should be assessed by medical staff, even if they seem well, because electricity can affect the heart rhythm and cause deep burns. Cool and cover burns, and monitor the person until help arrives.
Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.
Answers
Electric Shock: frequently asked questions
Why must I turn off the power first?
If you touch someone still in contact with electricity, the current can pass through you too. Switching off the supply, or safely separating them with a non-conducting object, protects you from becoming a second casualty.
Do I need hospital after an electric shock?
A significant shock should always be checked, as electricity can disturb the heart rhythm and cause internal burns that are not obvious. High-voltage shocks and any shock with burns or collapse need emergency care.
Related
Other environmental first aid
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — first aid
- St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
- Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)
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