Electrocution occurs when a person makes contact with an electrical source, resulting in the passage of current through the body that causes injury or death. The severity of the outcome depends on the current’s path, its voltage, and the duration of contact. Before attempting to help, the priority is to ensure the scene is safe for the rescuer. Touching a person still in contact with an energized source will cause the current to pass through the rescuer, creating a second victim.
Securing the Scene and Removing the Source
The first action upon encountering an electrocution incident is to call emergency services immediately, providing a clear description of the situation. While waiting for professional help, the primary goal is to safely separate the victim from the electrical source without putting yourself in danger. The most effective way to break the connection is to turn off the power at the source, such as the main circuit breaker, fuse box, or by unplugging the appliance.
If the power cannot be shut off immediately, use a non-conductive, dry material like wood, thick plastic, or cardboard to move the source or the victim. Never use anything metal or wet, as water is an excellent conductor of electricity and both materials will transmit the current directly to you. In high-voltage incidents, such as those involving power lines, keep a distance of at least 20 feet (6 meters), because electricity can arc across a gap.
High-voltage electricity may also energize the ground in a phenomenon known as “step potential,” which can injure a rescuer simply by walking near the downed line. Once the victim is no longer in contact with the source, it is safe to approach and begin first aid. Never attempt to move a person near high-voltage lines until a utility professional confirms the power is completely off.
Immediate First Aid and Victim Assessment
After safely separating the victim from the electrical source, conduct a rapid assessment of their condition, checking for responsiveness and breathing. Gently shake the person’s shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” to determine consciousness. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be started.
Electrical current passing through the body can interfere with the heart’s electrical rhythm, potentially causing cardiac arrest. If the victim has a pulse and is breathing, they should be kept still and monitored closely until emergency medical personnel arrive. Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger, as electrical shocks can cause violent muscle contractions strong enough to result in broken bones or spinal injury.
The current’s flow path often creates two external burns: a smaller entry wound and a larger exit wound, which may look deceptive. These burns should be loosely covered with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing; avoid using ice, ointments, or adhesive bandages. Treat the victim for shock by keeping them warm with a blanket or coat and, if conscious and not presenting with a head or spinal injury, by slightly elevating their legs.
Why Medical Follow-up is Mandatory
Every person who has sustained an electrical injury, even one that appears mild, must receive a professional medical evaluation. The most significant danger is damage to internal organs and tissues not visible on the skin’s surface. Electrical current can cause severe muscle, nerve, and tissue destruction deep within the body along its path.
A primary concern is the potential for delayed cardiac arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms that can develop hours after the initial shock. Because the current may have traveled through the chest, the heart muscle requires monitoring, often involving an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check for damage. Furthermore, the destruction of muscle tissue can release toxins into the bloodstream, leading to rhabdomyolysis, which can cause acute kidney injury.
Neurological effects, ranging from confusion and seizures to long-term nerve damage, are common, as the nervous system is highly susceptible to electrical current. Medical follow-up ensures a thorough assessment for these hidden complications, which may not present symptoms for many hours or days. Transport to a hospital guarantees that the victim is monitored for these delayed internal injuries.