First aid for electrical burns

How to give first aid to someone who is in contact with electricity

1. Have someone call 911 or other emergency services.
2. Do not touch the "electrified person" with your hands.
3. Unplug the appliance or turn off the main power switch if you can.
4. Try to remove the person from the electrical source, if you can't turn the power off.

   Do this only if you can do so safely by:

   • Standing on a dry surface, such as a rubber doormat or a pile of papers or books. Make sure you are not standing in or near water.
   • Using a dry wooden object, such as a broom handle, to push the person away from the electrical source. Do not use anything wet or made of metal.
5. Check to see if the person responds to touch or being talked to.
   Do this only after separating the person from the electrical source.

   Electrical burns can affect the electrical activity of the heart and cause heartbeat changes.

6. Start CPR if the person is not responding.