When a person is receiving an electrical shock, the immediate priority is rescuer safety. Touching a victim still in contact with a live electrical source can cause the current to pass through the rescuer, creating a second victim. Victims often remain part of a live circuit because the electrical current causes their muscles to contract and grip the source. Under no circumstances should a rescuer attempt direct physical contact until the power is off or the victim is safely separated.
Prioritizing Power Disconnection
The safest and most reliable method for managing a shock incident is to immediately shut off the electrical current at its source. This action eliminates the danger to both the victim and the rescuer before any physical separation is attempted. For household or workplace incidents, swiftly locate and operate the main circuit breaker, a subpanel breaker, or the fuse box.
Circuit breakers are typically found in a metal box and are switched off by moving the lever to the “Off” position, sometimes marked with a red color. If the source is an appliance, unplug the cord or turn off the wall switch, provided the rescuer avoids touching the victim or faulty equipment. If the source cannot be quickly and safely disconnected, the focus must shift to physically separating the victim using non-conductive materials. This separation maneuver is only a secondary option when power disconnection is impossible or delayed.
Safe Tools and Materials for Separation
If power cannot be turned off, a dry, non-conductive object must be used to break the connection between the victim and the electrical source. The non-conductive property prevents the current from reaching the rescuer, ensuring a safe distance is maintained. Appropriate tools found in a home or commercial setting include a long, dry wooden broom handle, a wooden chair, or a piece of dry lumber.
Other items that can be used to push or pull the victim away include thick layers of dry clothing, dry rope, or plastic items such as PVC piping or a rubber mat. The tool must be long enough to keep the rescuer clear of the victim and the source, minimizing the risk of arcing or step voltage. The material must be completely dry, as even insulators like wood become conductive when wet. Rescuers must avoid any object containing metal, such as a garden rake or metal pole. Never use wet objects, damp cloth, or bare hands to touch the victim.
The Principles of Electrical Safety and Conduction
The need for specific, dry, non-conductive tools is rooted in the physics of electrical flow, which requires a complete circuit. Materials that allow electrons to flow easily are called conductors, such as metals like copper and silver. Materials that resist this flow are known as insulators, including substances like glass, rubber, dry wood, and plastic.
Insulators possess tightly bound electrons that are not free to move, offering high resistance to electrical energy. The human body, largely composed of water and electrolytes, is a conductor, making direct contact with a live source dangerous. Grounding occurs when electricity finds a path to the earth. A rescuer standing on the ground and touching an energized victim effectively becomes an alternative path to the ground, completing the circuit and causing electrocution. Using a dry insulating object interrupts this potential circuit, allowing the victim to be moved safely.
Immediate Medical Response After Rescue
Once the victim is safely separated from the electrical source and the area is secure, call the local emergency number (such as 911) immediately. The rescuer should quickly check the victim for responsiveness by gently tapping and speaking to them. If the victim is unresponsive, check for normal breathing.
If the victim is not breathing normally or has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be initiated immediately, starting with chest compressions. Continue CPR until emergency medical services arrive, the victim shows signs of recovery, or the scene becomes unsafe. Even if the victim appears stable, they must be assessed for internal injuries, as electricity can damage internal organs, nerves, and heart rhythm. Any visible burns, which may appear as entry and exit points on the skin, should be covered with a sterile, non-stick gauze or a clean cloth, and the victim should be kept warm until professional help takes over.