Articles
Electrical shock: First aid
Content
When to contact your doctor
Caution
Overview
When to seek emergency care
Treatment
What to avoid
When to call your doctor
When to contact your doctor
Caution
Overview
When to seek emergency care
Treatment
What to avoid
When to call your doctor
Caution
- Don't touch the injured person if he or she is still in contact with the electrical current.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number if the source of the burn is a high-voltage wire or lightning. Don't get near high-voltage wires until the power is turned off. Overhead power lines usually aren't insulated. Stay at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away — farther if wires are jumping and sparking.
- Don't move a person with an electrical injury unless he or she is in immediate danger.
