Electric
Shock
Important!
 | If the victim is near a high-voltage current, stay at
least 20 feet away. Call the power company to have the
power turned off; then call 911 or your emergency number.
Once the power is off, begin the first-aid steps described
here.
| If the victim is inside a car that is touching an electrical
wire, tell him to stay there. (However, if the car is
burning, tell him to jump out and away from the car.) Call
the power company to have the power turned off; then call
911 or your emergency number. Once the power is off, begin
the first-aid steps described here.
| If a victim is touching a live household electrical wire
or you otherwise suspect that he has been electrocuted by
household current, call 911 or your emergency number, and
begin the first-aid steps described here. Do not touch the
victim if he is still in contact with a live current.
| If you suspect that a victim has been struck by
lightning, call 911 or your emergency number. You may
immediately touch the victim and begin the first aid. |
| | |
Symptoms
| Burn marks on mouth or skin
| Tingling sensation
| Dizziness
| Feeling a severe jolt
| Muscle pains
| Bleeding
| Headache
| Unconsciousness |
| | | | | | |
Caution
Do you suspect a head, neck, or
back injury?
First Aid
- Stop the flow of electricity. Unplug the
electrical appliance, or turn off the house's main power
switch. If you are not able to do this, separate the
victim from the live current using a nonconductive
material. CAUTION: Do not touch the victim's skin while he
is still touching the live current. Do not touch the
electrical wire.
Illustration: Separating
a Victim From Current
- Check the victim's ABCs. If
the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse or
heart beat, begin CPR.
- Check for and treat any other serious injury.
Treat any entry and exit burns.
- Make the victim comfortable. Cover the victim
with a coat or blanket. Do not place a pillow under the
head; this might cause the airway to become blocked.
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