Health Topics for Prepare for Emergencies

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Electrical shock

The severity of electrical shocks can range from a mild tingling sensation to severe injury and death. Electrical burn wounds can occur deep within the body. The outside wound may look minor but can be very severe.

You can save someone's life and prevent injury to yourself if you take proper emergency actions when someone is seriously shocked:

• Unplug the appliance, or turn off the electric power at a fuse-box or circuit breaker box.
• If you cannot turn the power off quickly, pull the person away from the electrical source using a non-conducting material such as wood or plastic. You could use a broom handle, a wooden chair, a dry rope, or a dry towel or sheet. If the person is still in contact with the electrical source, and you touch them, you may also be shocked.
• Keep the victim lying down. Do not move a victim with suspected neck or spine injuries unless absolutely necessary.
• Check to see if the person is breathing. If they are not, begin rescue breathing and check for a pulse.
• f the person does not have a pulse, begin CPR.
• Call for help by dialing 911. Have someone else do this if you are administering CPR.

If there is a burn:

• Remove any smoldering clothing to help stop the burning process. Leave burned clothing in place if it is not smoldering.
• Remove any jewelry from the affected area.
• Do not apply any ointment, medicine, or spray to the burn. Do not put butter on the burn.
• Avoid touching the burn. Cover the burned area with a sterile dressing or a clean cloth. Do not cover the area with anything that is heavy, or has loose fibers, such as a towel or blanket. These loose fibers can be irritating.

You can help to prevent electric shock by doing the following:

• Beware of all electrical power lines, and stay clear of them while trimming trees and using gardening tools.
• If you have a young child, protect all of your outlets with covers.
• Install ground fault interrupters in your bathrooms and on outside outlets.
• Instruct your children in electrical safety.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4916.RF2 VRS# 4916 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.