Electric shock first aid begins with protecting yourself. Many rescuers have been injured or killed trying to help someone who is still in contact with a live source. Electric shock can stop the heart, cause burns and injure tissue deep inside the body even when the skin looks only slightly marked. Whether the injury happens at home, on a building site or after a storm brings down a power line, the same principle applies: make the scene safe first, then treat the person.
Make the Scene Safe First
- Low voltage (household and most workplace circuits): switch off the power at the wall, the isolator or the meter box and unplug the appliance if you can do so safely. If you cannot, do not touch the person.
- High voltage (power lines, substations, railway equipment): do not approach. Keep well clear, with many metres between you and any fallen line, and further in wet conditions, because the ground can carry current. Call the emergency number and the power company and keep bystanders back until the supply is confirmed off.
- Vehicles touched by a line: tell occupants to stay inside unless there is fire, in which case they should jump clear with feet together and shuffle away.
Do not use a wet object, metal or your hands to move a person or a cable.
Electric Shock First Aid After the Power Is Off
- Call the emergency number. Every serious electric shock needs medical care.
- Check DRABC. Follow the primary survey. Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest, so begin CPR and use an AED if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, as explained in CPR for adults.
- Treat burns. Cool with running water for 20 minutes if the burn is not on a live electrical source, then cover loosely with a clean non-stick dressing. Look for both an entry and an exit burn.
- Treat shock by laying the person down and keeping them warm. See shock first aid.
- Check for other injuries, including fractures and spinal injury from a fall or from muscle spasm.
- Place an unconscious breathing person in the recovery position and monitor continuously.
- Make sure they are examined in hospital, even if they seem fine.
Why Electric Shock Injuries Are Deceptive
The current takes the shortest route through the body to earth, damaging muscle, nerves, blood vessels and the heart on the way. A small burn at the entry and exit points can hide extensive deep tissue damage. Heart rhythm problems may appear hours later, so anyone who lost consciousness, has chest pain, palpitations, burns or was exposed to high voltage needs an ECG and medical monitoring.
Fires Involving Electricity
Never use water on an electrical fire. Use a dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguisher suitable for electrical equipment, and only when it is safe and you are trained. If in doubt, leave and call the fire service.
Preventing Electric Shock at Work and Home
Use residual current devices, inspect leads and tools, keep electrical equipment away from water, follow lock-out and tag-out procedures, and keep clear of overhead lines when working with ladders, cranes or scaffolding. Our workplace guides on electrical safety explain these controls in detail. Training staff in electric shock first aid ensures that the first response protects rescuers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I touch someone who is being electrocuted?
Not until the power is off. If you cannot switch it off, call emergency services and keep clear.
Do all electric shock victims need hospital care?
Anyone with burns, loss of consciousness, chest symptoms or exposure to high voltage should be checked, and a medical review is wise after any significant shock.
References and Further Reading
- NHS, Electric shock
- American Heart Association and American Red Cross, Guidelines for First Aid
- St John Ambulance, Electric shock
Last updated: November 2026
Prepared by: EHS Guidelines Editorial Team
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for accredited first aid training or professional medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Emergency numbers, medicines and protocols differ between countries, so follow local guidance.
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