Electric Shock

An electric shock occurs when a person touches live electricity. When this happens, an electric current flows through the body. It may cause damage to tissue and internal organs.

Even though someone who has had an electric shock may appear unharmed, they should still receive medical attention to assess whether the heart has been affected.

Read more about causes, signs and symptoms.

First aid for electric shock

If someone has suffered an electric chock, call Triple Zero (000). Send for a nearby defibrillator if available.

If they lose consciousness or have difficulty breathing, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan.

In the meantime, follow the first aid steps below.

Step 1: Check for Danger

• Check for danger to yourself and others. Only proceed to help if it's safe
• Turn off or disconnect the power supply
• Don't touch them until the power is turned off
• Be careful in wet environments, as water conducts electricity
  
  

Step 2: If necessary, remove them from the area

• If you're unable to switch off the power, remove them from the area without directly touching them
• Don't attempt to remove them unless you can safely do so
• Use non-conductive, dry materials such as a dry wooden broom handle to move them
  
  

Step 3: Treating burns

If the person is breathing steadily and they are responsive, attend to any burns. Learn more about burn first aid.

• Calm and reassure them
• Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes
• Don't use icy water or ice
• Once cooled, remove any clothing and jewellery from the area. Don't remove items stuck to the burn
• Loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry non-stick dressing
• Don't use fluffy materials or apply ice, creams or gels
  
  

Step 6: Make them comfortable and stay with them

• Help them into a comfortable, upright position
• Stay with them until an ambulance arrives
• Talk calmly and reassure them
• Follow the DRSABCD Action Plan if they start to have difficulty breathing or go unconscious