The answer to whether you can touch someone who is being electrocuted is an immediate “no.” Direct physical contact with a person still connected to an electrical source can instantly turn the rescuer into a second victim. The human body is a natural conductor of electricity, and touching the casualty makes you the path for the current to continue its flow. Therefore, the most important action is to first ensure the power source has been completely stopped before approaching the individual.
The Danger of Secondary Electrocution
The reason for avoiding contact lies in the fundamental physics of electrical current. The human body is a good conductor of electricity because it is mostly water and electrolytes. When a person contacts a live source, they become part of the electrical circuit. Touching them introduces the rescuer into that same circuit, providing another pathway for the current to follow.
The severity of the resulting injury, called secondary shock, depends on the voltage, duration of contact, and the current’s path through the body. Currents as small as 50 milliamperes (mA) passing through the chest can cause ventricular fibrillation, an erratic heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood effectively. An alternating current can also cause continuous muscle contraction, preventing the victim from letting go of the source and potentially causing the rescuer’s hand to lock onto the victim. This sustained contraction prolongs the exposure and increases damage for both individuals.
Immediate Priority: Shutting Off the Power
The safest and most effective intervention is to immediately eliminate the source of electricity. This action breaks the circuit entirely, neutralizing the danger to the victim and any potential rescuer. If the source is an appliance, unplug the cord from the wall socket, ensuring the rescuer does not touch the victim or the faulty equipment.
For incidents involving household wiring, locate the main circuit breaker panel and switch off the appropriate breaker or the main disconnect switch. It is important to know the location of this panel in advance, as hesitation can be fatal. A call to 911 or local emergency services must be placed immediately. High-voltage situations, such as downed power lines, require authorities to confirm the power is fully off before anyone approaches.
Safe Physical Separation Methods
If the power source cannot be shut off quickly—for example, if the breaker location is unknown or inaccessible—the victim must be separated from the current using an insulated object. This method should be considered a last resort. The chosen tool must be non-conductive and dry, such as a wooden broom handle, a fiberglass pole, or a plastic object.
The rescuer must stand on a dry surface, if available, and never use wet or metal objects, as these conduct current. The non-conductive item is used to push or pull the person away from the electrical source or to move the source away from the person. Avoid getting too close to the victim, particularly in high-voltage scenarios where the current can arc or travel through the ground.
Post-Rescue Medical Procedures
Once the victim is safely separated from the electrical source and the scene is secure, the focus shifts to emergency medical care. First, check for a response, pulse, and normal breathing. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continue until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Electrical current can cause serious internal damage that may not be apparent externally. Even minor shocks can disrupt the heart’s rhythm, resulting in delayed cardiac issues. Burns should be covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean cloth, and the victim should be kept warm to manage shock. All victims of electrical injury must receive a medical evaluation to assess for internal organ damage, neurological effects, and delayed complications.