First Aid For
Electrocution

It is important to get first aid for electrocution right or you may injure yourself. The damage done by electrical shock depends on how high the voltage is, the person's general health, the speed on treatment or how the current traveled through the body.

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First Aid Treatment

• Call 911 immediately or your local emergency services.
• Look before you touch. The person may still be connected to the current. Touching them can pass the current through your body.
• If the person is still connected to the electrical source remove them from the current using a piece of nonconducting material such as wood, cardboard or plastic.
• Check vital signs. Look for signs of breathing and a pulse.
• If the patient is not breathing begin CPR immediately.
• Prevent shock. Have the patient lie down and elevate their legs higher than their head.
• While waiting for help to arrive you can treat any burns.
• DO NOT touch the person with your bare hands if they are still connected to the current.
• DO NOT move the injured person unless absolutely necessary.
• Stay away from high voltage wires that are still live. Especially if they are jumping around on the ground sparking.

Call 911 immediately or your local emergency services if you see any of these signs.

• Signs of cardiac arrest.
• The person develops heart palpitations or heart arrhythmias (an irregular heart beat).
• They have muscle contractions or pain.
• Respiratory failure.
• Unconsciousness.
• They have a seizure.
• They experience numbness or tingling.