An electric shock is a sudden and dangerous situation. The right response must be made within seconds because a delay can lead to cardiac arrest or serious burns. Knowing this in advance saves lives.
When you see someone who has been electrocuted, the first and most important rule is not to put yourself in danger. Do not touch the person with bare hands because the current will pass through your body too. First cut the power source. Switch off the main switch at the distribution board or pull the device's plug from the socket.
If you cannot cut the source right away, separate the person from it using a dry, non-conductive material. Insulating materials such as dry wood, a plastic chair, thick dry cloth or rubber-soled shoes can be used. Never intervene with metal or wet objects.
Once the person is away from the source, check their consciousness. If they are conscious, calm them and rinse the burn areas with cold water. If they are unconscious, call one-one-two immediately and ask for an ambulance. Check whether they are breathing. If they are not breathing and you have CPR training, start chest compressions.
Even if the person feels fine after an electric shock, they must go to hospital. Electric current can cause invisible damage to internal organs, especially the heart. Heart rhythm disorders can appear even hours later.
Never approach high-voltage lines. Keep at least ten metres away and call one-one-two to report the situation. In high-voltage accidents only trained teams can intervene.
As a precaution, have a residual-current device in your home, make sure your sockets are earthed, do not use electrical devices with wet hands and teach your children about electrical safety. Being prepared is the best protection.
