Electrocution occurs when a person contacts an electrical current source, causing electricity to pass through the body. This exposure is dangerous because the electrical energy can disrupt the body’s natural electrical system, which controls heart and nervous function. Injury severity depends on the voltage, the path the current takes, and the duration of contact. The most severe damage is often internal and not visible, potentially harming organs, muscles, and nerves.
Ensuring Scene Safety and Initiating Emergency Response
The first priority is ensuring the rescuer’s safety; you cannot help the victim if you become a second casualty. Identify the electrical source and determine if it is high or low voltage. High-voltage sources, such as downed power lines, pose a serious threat and must only be handled by professionals.
If the source is low-voltage, disconnect the power immediately. Flip the circuit breaker or fuse switch to the “off” position, or unplug the device. Never touch the victim or the conductor before the power is confirmed off.
Immediately call for emergency medical services once the scene is safe. Professional medical attention is mandatory for anyone who has received an electrical shock, even if they appear unharmed. Electrical current can cause delayed cardiac arrhythmias, internal burns, and muscle damage requiring specialized care.
Safely Separating the Victim From the Current
If the electrical source cannot be turned off immediately, the victim must be physically separated from the current using non-conductive materials. This action is a last resort and must be executed with extreme caution to prevent the current from passing through the rescuer. The rescuer must stand on a dry, insulating surface, such as a rubber mat or thick plastic.
Use a long, dry, non-conductive object to push or pull the victim away from the source. Suitable materials include a wooden broom handle, a plastic pipe, or a piece of dry cardboard. The goal is to break the continuous circuit without making direct contact with the victim or the wire.
Never use wet or damp materials, metal objects, or bare hands to touch the victim or the conductor, as these conduct electricity. The electrical current can cause muscles to contract strongly, sometimes gripping the conductor. Once the victim is clear, assess their immediate physical condition.
Immediate Medical Assessment and Care
After separation, immediately check the person’s condition, focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Check for responsiveness by speaking to them, and observe their chest for signs of breathing. If the person is unconscious and not breathing, or has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
Electrical current can cause the heart to stop or enter an irregular rhythm, making immediate chest compressions critical until emergency personnel arrive. Keep the person lying down and still, as secondary injuries from falls are common after an electrical shock. Do not move the person unnecessarily, especially if a spinal injury is suspected.
Inspect the body for electrical burns, which often show distinct entry and exit points. Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth to protect the area from infection. Do not apply ice or ointments, and do not remove clothing stuck to the burn site. Treat the person for shock by keeping them warm until medical help arrives.