Electric Shock First Aid in Perth: What to Do
Knowing electric shock first aid could save a life, because the right, and wrong, actions in the first seconds matter enormously. Electric shock first aid starts with not becoming a victim yourself. Here are the steps to take if someone receives an electric shock, and what to avoid.
Do not touch them first
The most important rule of electric shock first aid is do not touch a person who may still be in contact with the electricity, or you can be shocked too. The current can pass straight to you. Before anything else, the source of power must be switched off or the person separated from it safely.
6 steps of electric shock first aid
- Do not touch the person if still in contact with power
- Switch off the power at the main switch
- If you cannot, separate them with a dry, non-conductive object
- Call 000 for anything serious
- Start CPR if trained and they are not breathing
- Get medical checks even after a minor shock
Switch off the power
The safest step in electric shock first aid is to cut the power, switch off at the main switch or unplug the source if you can reach it safely. This removes the danger at once. Only once the power is off is it safe to touch the person and help them directly.
If you cannot switch it off
If you cannot reach the power, electric shock first aid says to separate the person from the source using something dry and non-conductive, like a wooden broom handle, never your hands or anything metal or wet. Stand on something dry yourself. This is a last resort until the power can be turned off.
Call 000
For any serious electric shock, unconsciousness, burns, trouble breathing, or a shock from higher voltage, call 000 immediately. Electric shock first aid includes getting professional help fast, because internal injuries and heart rhythm problems are not always obvious. When in doubt, call.
CPR and breathing
If the person is not breathing and you are trained, start CPR once it is safe to touch them, and keep going until help arrives. A shock can affect the heart, so this can be lifesaving. If you are not trained, the 000 operator can talk you through what to do.
Even minor shocks need checking
A key point of electric shock first aid is that even a shock that seems minor should be checked by a doctor, because effects on the heart can appear later. And the fault that caused it still needs an electrician, a shock means something is wrong that will not fix itself.
Children and shocks
Children are more vulnerable to electric shock, so any shock a child receives should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor, even if they seem fine. Tamper-resistant outlets and good safety switch protection reduce the risk in the first place, which is worth sorting in a family home.
The role of safety switches
A working RCD, or safety switch, is designed to cut power in milliseconds and prevent a serious shock in the first place. If someone was shocked and the safety switch did not trip, that circuit needs urgent checking, either there is no RCD on it, or it has failed.
Why use a licensed electrician
After any shock, a licensed electrician must find and fix the cause, whether a faulty appliance, wiring or missing safety switch. A licensed electrician makes your home safe again. The state’s Building and Energy sets the safety standards involved.
Had a shock or a fault at your Perth home?
ACS Electrical finds and fixes the cause across the metro. Explore our safety switch tripping guide, emergency electrician guide or common electrical faults guide. Call 0419 967 838.
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