Electric Shock

Remember To Send for Help – Call an Ambulance

Note

If the patient is in a position where you have no access to turn of the electricity supply Stay Clear, Do Not Approach. Call the appropriate services to render the site safe.

Signs and Symptoms

• May have burns from the point of contact
• Breathing difficulties
• Weak pulse or erratic pulse
• May be unconscious
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Treatment

• Check for any danger
• Turn off the electricity
• Remove the patient from the source of electricity
• DRSABCD
• If possible place any burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes and cover with a clean, loose, not fluffy material. Use plastic cling wrap
• Seek professional medical assistance

If you come across fallen power lines Do Not Approach.

• Always assume they are live
• The safe distance from live power lines is over 10 metres (The length of a city bus)