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What to Do If Someone Experiences an Electric Shock

Tap a step to see what it involves.

  1. Do Not Touch the Person Directly

    If someone is still in contact with the electrical source, do not touch them directly, as the current could pass through their body into yours as well, creating a second victim.

  2. Cut the Power Source First

    If it can be done safely and quickly, switch off the power at its source (such as a breaker or unplugging the device) before approaching the person, since removing the electrical hazard is the top priority.

  3. Use a Non-Conductive Object If the Power Can't Be Cut

    If the power source cannot be quickly cut off, use a dry, non-conductive object, such as a wooden broom handle or a dry towel, to push or pull the person away from the source rather than using bare hands.

  4. Call Emergency Services

    Once it is safe to approach, call for emergency medical help immediately, since electric shock can cause serious internal injuries, including cardiac issues, that may not be immediately obvious from the outside.

  5. Check for Responsiveness and Breathing

    Once safe to approach, check whether the person is conscious and breathing normally; if they are not breathing and you are trained to do so, begin CPR immediately while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

  6. Avoid Unnecessary Movement of the Person

    Unless it's necessary to move them away from ongoing danger, avoid unnecessarily moving the person, since electric shock injuries can sometimes include unseen internal trauma that could be worsened by unnecessary handling.

Why the first instinct to help can actually be dangerous

This page is for general safety information only and is not a substitute for professional emergency training. The natural instinct to immediately grab and pull someone away from an electrical hazard is actually one of the most dangerous mistakes a bystander can make, since it can result in the current passing through the rescuer's body as well, turning one victim into two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone appear fine immediately after an electric shock but still need medical attention?

Yes β€” electric shock can cause serious internal injuries, particularly to the heart's rhythm, that are not visibly apparent right away, which is why seeking medical evaluation after any significant electric shock is generally recommended even if the person initially seems okay.

Is water a good conductor of electricity, and why does this matter for safety?

Yes β€” water (particularly water containing minerals or impurities) conducts electricity quite well, which is why wet hands, wet floors, or wet clothing significantly increase the risk and severity of electric shock, and extra caution should be taken in any electrical situation involving moisture.