Do not touch the person until the electrical supply is isolated. Switch off at the mains if safely possible, call emergency medical help, and follow trained dispatcher guidance for breathing, CPR and burns.
The electrical source can still be live even when the injured person is motionless. Your first action is scene safety, not direct contact.
The essentials
- Whether the source is domestic supply, a fallen line or high-voltage equipment.
- Whether power can be isolated without approaching the hazard.
- Responsiveness and normal breathing after the supply is confirmed off.
- Burns, falls, chest pain or other injuries requiring medical assessment.
What to check first
Start with the evidence already in front of you. A precise account, meter, product or safety detail is more useful than guessing from the outcome alone.
- Whether the source is domestic supply, a fallen line or high-voltage equipment.
- Whether power can be isolated without approaching the hazard.
- Responsiveness and normal breathing after the supply is confirmed off.
- Burns, falls, chest pain or other injuries requiring medical assessment.
Step by step
Work through the existing transaction, account or installation in order. Keep the reference and result from each step before moving to the next.
- Keep others away and call for emergency help.
- Switch off the current at the mains only if safe.
- Do not touch the person until the supply is confirmed isolated.
- Follow emergency-dispatcher instructions and use CPR only if trained or directed.
Mistakes to avoid
These shortcuts often turn a traceable problem into a second payment, a lost evidence trail or a safety risk.
- Pulling a person away with bare hands.
- Approaching fallen power lines or high-voltage equipment.
- Assuming a small skin burn means there is no internal injury.
When to escalate
Electrical shock requires urgent medical assessment, especially after loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, chest symptoms, burns or high-voltage contact. This guide is not a substitute for emergency services or first-aid training.
Frequently asked
Should I touch someone receiving an electric shock?
No. First isolate the electrical supply. Touching the person while current is present can make you part of the circuit.
Does an electric-shock victim need medical care if they feel fine?
Electrical injuries can be deeper than visible skin damage. Seek professional medical advice and emergency care for concerning symptoms or significant exposure.
Research sources
Official guidance, product information and public sources were reviewed on 27 July 2026.