An electrical shock is a high-risk scenario demanding immediate action. Electrical current can cause severe damage or death by disrupting the heart’s rhythm or paralyzing respiratory muscles. A person still in contact with the source can become a pathway for current to flow into anyone who touches them. The first priority in any rescue situation is to ensure the rescuer’s safety, as attempting a rescue without proper precautions will only result in a second victim. The focus must be on quickly and safely interrupting the flow of electricity before any direct physical contact is made.
Prioritizing Rescuer Safety and Power Disconnection
The safest method to stop an electrical shock is to remove the source of the current by manipulating the electrical infrastructure. Immediately locate and switch off the main power at the circuit breaker panel, flip a wall switch, or pull the main disconnect for the area. This approach de-energizes the entire circuit, guaranteeing the current path is broken without requiring the rescuer to approach the hazard directly.
If the victim is in contact with an appliance or tool, unplug the device from the wall receptacle. Yanking a removable plug free from the outlet is a viable option, provided the rescuer can do so safely. Always choose the most distant method of power interruption, such as the main breaker, as it eliminates the risk of residual current paths.
Safely Separating the Victim When Power Cannot Be Shut Off
If the power source cannot be located, switched off, or unplugged quickly, the rescuer must physically separate the victim from the conductor using only non-conductive materials. Since electricity flows easily through conductive materials like metals and water, the rescuer must find a dry insulator to break the circuit. Appropriate tools include a dry wooden broom handle, a plastic stick, a thick layer of dry newspaper, or a rubber mat.
The rescuer should stand on a dry, insulating surface if possible and use the non-conductive object to push or pull the victim or the conductor away. The technique involves a swift, deliberate action to pry the person’s limb or torso away from the live wire or equipment. Avoid using hands or any wet or metallic object, as this will complete the circuit through the rescuer’s body.
Immediate Victim Assessment and Life Support
Once the person is clear of the electrical source, the priority shifts to calling for professional medical assistance and assessing the victim’s condition. Call 911 or local emergency services immediately, providing a clear location for the incident. While waiting for help, do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger, as the shock or subsequent fall may have caused spinal or neck injuries.
Check for signs of life, specifically the victim’s breathing and pulse. If the person is not breathing or does not have a pulse, and the rescuer is trained, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately with chest compressions. Electrical current passing through the chest can cause the heart to stop or enter a disorganized rhythm, making prompt circulation and oxygenation vital.
Treat the victim for shock by keeping them warm with a blanket or coat, as the trauma can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. If there are visible burns, cover them loosely with a sterile dressing or clean cloth, avoiding materials that could stick to the wound. Even if the victim appears conscious, they must remain still and be continuously monitored until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Required Medical Evaluation and Incident Reporting
All individuals who have experienced an electrical shock must receive a professional medical evaluation, even if they appear uninjured. Electrical current can cause significant internal damage that is not visible externally, such as deep tissue and organ burns. The path the current takes through the body can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and lead to delayed cardiac arrhythmias.
Heart rhythm problems may not manifest until several hours after the initial shock, making a thorough medical check-up and observation period necessary. Medical professionals will typically perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check for immediate or latent cardiac damage.
In a workplace setting, an electric shock that results in medical treatment or exposes a worker to serious risk is a reportable incident. The employer is required to notify the appropriate governmental safety and health administration, such as OSHA, as soon as possible. This reporting ensures the event is documented and investigated to prevent similar accidents. Preserving the scene of the incident is also generally required, except where necessary to save a life or prevent further injury.