Oikodomisis

First Aid for Electric Shock: What to Do, and What Never to Do

It is one of the worst emergencies that can happen at home. You see a loved one "stuck" to an appliance or outlet, unable to let go, and the instinct is to rush in and pull them away.

This instinct can kill them both.

Electric shock is dangerous not only for the victim, but also for the rescuer. Current does not care about intentions. It simply follows the easiest path to ground. The response has to be methodical and disciplined.

1. The Ultimate Mistake: Don't Touch the Victim!

The human body consists of 60% water. It is an excellent conductor of electricity. If the victim is leaking 230V current and you grab their arm or shoulder with your bare hands, the current will instantly pass from their body to yours. Your muscles will immediately contract, you'll "stick" to him too, and the area will now have two electrocution victims instead of one.

Illustration for 1. The Ultimate Mistake: Don't Touch the Victim!

2. Step 1: Cut the Power Source

Illustration for 2. Step 1: Cut the Power Source

Your first move is not to the victim, but to the electrical panel.

The Ideal Solution

Run to the panel and switch off the main breaker or the RCD. That is the safest way to make sure power has been cut.

Plan B (If the panel is far)

If you can't reach the panel, try to unplug the device from the outlet (firmly grasping the plastic part of the cable) or close the power strip switch.

3. Step 2: The "Forcible" Removal (If the power is not cut)

If you cannot cut power immediately, you must separate the victim from the live source without becoming part of the circuit yourself.

  • Use a long, dry and completely non-conductive object.
  • Useful options include a dry wooden broom handle, a plastic chair or another dry non-conductive object.
  • Push the victim's hand away from the device or push the device itself.
  • Caution: Do not step in water and do not use anything metallic or wet.
Illustration for 3. Step 2: The "Forcible" Removal (If the power is not cut)

4. Step 3: Call EKAV (166 or 112)

Illustration for 4. Step 3: Call EKAV (166 or 112)

As soon as the victim is free from the current, call emergency services immediately. Even if the person is awake and says they feel fine, medical assessment is still necessary.

The Hidden Damage

The current, as it passes through the body, passes through the heart. It can cause a fatal arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation) or heart attack up to 24 hours after the event. Every electrocution victim requires an electrocardiogram (ECG) at the hospital.

5. Step 4: Check Vital Signs (CPR)

While waiting for the ambulance, you need to assess the victim's condition:

If the person is conscious

Have them lie down with their legs slightly elevated if possible. Do not give food or water. Keep talking to them and monitor their condition.

If the person is unconscious but breathing

If they are unconscious but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position to help keep the airway open and reduce the risk of choking.

If the person is not breathing

The current has stopped his heart or lungs. You must start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) immediately. Give 30 strong chest compressions in the center of the chest (at a rate of about 100-120 per minute), followed by 2 breaths. Continue without stopping until rescuers arrive.

6. Burn Management

Electrical injuries often create an entry point and an exit point on the body. These burns can look small from the outside while the deeper tissue damage is much more severe.

What to do

If the person is breathing and otherwise stable, cool the burns under cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then cover them with a clean dressing.

What we DON'T do

Do not use ice, ointments, butter or cotton wool on the burn. Do not break blisters.

7. Special Case: High Voltage (On the Road)

The above rules apply only to the electricity of the house (Low Voltage 230V/400V). If you see a traffic accident where a car has crashed into a PPC utility pole and cut high voltage cables are on the ground:

  • STAY AWAY, at least 10 to 15 meters. Do not approach with improvised tools. High voltage can arc through air or travel through the ground.
  • Call emergency services and wait for the utility operator to isolate the line.

Summarizing

Handling an electric-shock emergency means resisting the instinct to touch the victim immediately. Cut power first, use distance and insulation if necessary, call emergency services and start CPR only when it is safe to do so.

Electrical emergencies are not limited to shock. Faults often escalate into fire, and the next article covers how to react without making the situation worse.

We continue with crisis management: Electrical Fire: Why we NEVER pour water and what type of fire extinguisher should be next to the electrical panel.

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Electric Shock in the Bathroom: The Hair Dryer Myth, the RCD and Safety Zones Electrical Fire: Why You Must Never Use Water and Which Extinguisher to Keep Nearby Using a Multimeter as a Beginner: Safe Voltage and Continuity Checks Using Electrical Devices Outdoors: The Basic Safety Rules When You Have Wet Hands or Walk Barefoot

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