Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
With an electric shock, your first job is to make the scene safe — never touch someone who is still in contact with a live current, or you can be electrocuted too.
1. Switch off the power at the mains/plug before touching the person.
2. If you cannot turn it off, do not touch them directly — stand on something dry and use a non-conductive object (like dry wood) to separate them from the source.
3. Call emergency services.
4. Check response and breathing; start CPR if they are not breathing normally.
5. Treat any burns (entry and exit points) with cool water once safe.
6. Keep them still if a fall or spinal injury is possible.
When to see a doctor urgently
Never touch a person still in contact with a live electrical source
High-voltage/overhead lines: stay far back and wait for professionals
Even if they seem fine, electric shocks can cause dangerous heart-rhythm problems — get checked
Watch for burns at entry and exit points
Make it safe first. Cutting the power or safely separating the person from the source comes before first aid. Anyone who has had a significant shock should be assessed for heart-rhythm problems. This is not a substitute for emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to do for an electric shock?
Turn off the power before touching the person. If you can’t, use a dry non-conductive object to separate them from the source without touching them directly.
Do I need a doctor if I feel okay after a shock?
Yes — significant electric shocks can cause heart-rhythm problems and internal or deep burns that are not obvious, so get checked.
What if the person isn’t breathing?
Once the scene is safe, call emergency services and start CPR immediately.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.