Trauma
Electric Shock
Never touch the person until the power is off. Once safe, follow DRSABCD, call 000, treat burns and shock. Even a person who seems fine after electric shock should be assessed at hospital.
Never touch the person until the power is off. Once safe, follow DRSABCD, call 000, treat burns and shock. Even a person who seems fine after electric shock should be assessed at hospital.
Safety first
- Do NOT touch the person until the power source is OFF. Electricity can travel through them and through you.
- Turn off the power at the mains or unplug the appliance.
- For high-voltage power lines (e.g. fallen wires), stay at least 8 metres away and call 000 — only emergency services can make the area safe.
Once safe
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Call 000.
- If unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and attach an AED.
- Cool any burns under cool running water for at least 20 minutes — there are often entry and exit burns.
- Treat for shock.
- Always go to hospital, even if the person seems well — internal damage and heart rhythm problems can develop later.
Questions & answers
Can I touch someone still in contact with electricity?
No. Turn off the power at the mains or unplug the appliance first. For fallen high-voltage lines, stay at least 8 metres away and Call 000.
Do I need to go to hospital if I feel fine afterwards?
Yes — always. Internal burns and heart rhythm problems can develop hours after the shock, even if you feel well.
Where do electrical burns usually appear?
There are often two burns — an entry point and an exit point. Cool both under cool running water for 20 minutes.
Related topics
Burns and Scalds
Cool any burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove clothing and jewellery from the area unless stuck, and cover loosely with cling wrap or a sterile non-stick dressing.
CPR — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is performed on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 compressions per minute, adjusting depth and technique for adults, children and infants.
Shock (Hypovolaemic / Circulatory)
Shock is a life-threatening drop in blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. Lie the person down, treat the cause, keep them warm and call 000.
Eye Injuries
For something in the eye, wash out with clean water or saline. Never remove an embedded object — cover both eyes and call 000. Chemical splashes need 20 minutes of running water and an ambulance.
Head Injury and Concussion
Always suspect a spinal injury with a head injury. Lay the person down, control bleeding without direct pressure on a depressed area, and call 000 for any loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion.
Suspected Spinal Injury
Suspect a spinal injury in any fall from height, road crash, diving incident, or unresponsive trauma patient. Do not move the person unless they are in danger; keep the head and neck steady and call 000.
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