Electrical Shock Emergency Response: Safe Rescue & First Aid Protocol

Electrical Injury: Immediate Action Saves Lives

Electrical current passing through the body causes cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory arrest, deep tissue burns, rhabdomyolysis, and neurologic injury. Rescuer safety is paramount.

Immediate Response Sequence

1. SCENE SAFETY FIRST:
   • Do NOT touch victim until power confirmed OFF.
   • Identify source: outlet, equipment, overhead line, lightning.
   • If safe: unplug, throw circuit breaker, call utility for high-voltage.
2. IF POWER CANNOT BE SHUT OFF QUICKLY:
   • Use dry, non-conductive object (wooden broom, plastic pipe, dry rope, belt) to push victim off source.
   • Stand on dry insulating surface (rubber mat, dry boards, folded dry clothing).
   • Do NOT use metal, wet items, or your bare hands.
3. CALL 911 / EMS IMMEDIATELY. State: “Electrical injury — possible cardiac arrest.”
4. ASSESS VICTIM (once safe):
   • Responsive? Breathing? Pulse?
   • If unresponsive, no breathing/no normal breathing (agonal gasps): START CPR.
5. CPR (if trained):
   • High-quality chest compressions: 100–120/min, 2–2.4" depth, full recoil.
   • 30:2 compression:ventilation (if trained in rescue breaths).
   • Hands-only CPR if untrained/unwilling.
   • Use AED ASAP — electrical injury often causes VF/VT.
6. IF BREATHING BUT UNCONSCIOUS: Recovery position; monitor airway.
7. IF CONSCIOUS:
   • Keep still; do not walk (risk of arrhythmia, hidden injury).
   • Assess for burns (entry/exit), pain, paresthesia, confusion.
   • Cover burns with clean, dry, non-adherent dressing.
   • Prevent hypothermia.
8. CONTINUE MONITORING until EMS arrives. Handoff: mechanism, voltage (if known), duration, CPR details, changes.

Delayed Complications (Require ED Evaluation Even If “Fine”)

• Cardiac arrhythmias (up to 24–48h).
• Compartment syndrome (deep tissue edema).
• Rhabdomyolysis → acute kidney injury (check CK, urine myoglobin).
• Cataracts (delayed, high-voltage).
• Neurologic deficits, spinal fracture (from fall/throw).
• Psychological trauma.

Workplace Prevention

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) compliance.
• GFCI protection on all wet/outdoor circuits.
• Regular equipment inspection; damaged cord removal.
• Electrical safety training (NFPA 70E) for all exposed workers.

Never assume “low voltage = low risk.” Household 120V can kill. Treat every electrical injury as potentially life-threatening.