First Aid
Because electrocution injuries are potentially devastating and life-threatening, call 911 and get medical professionals to the scene as soon as possible.
Before administering any aid or comfort, ensure that the electric current is off. Electricity that’s running loose can affect people from 10 to 20 feet away. Don't touch the victim directly if he or she is still in proximity to the source of the electric current -- the power may conduct into others. Find the house circuit breaker if at home or use something that is non-conductive – a wood broom, rug, chair or rubber doormat – to push the person away from the electric current source. Whatever you do, don’t use something wet or made of metal. If possible, ground yourself by standing on a rubber mat or newspapers before touching someone. Because electricity is invisible, and the victim may be unconscious, it’s often impossible to tell if nearby areas are safe.
Once the victim is away from the source of the electric current that caused the problem, make sure they are breathing. It may be time to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if you don’t detect any breathing. If someone has been burned, rinse the burn with cold running water and remove clothing in the affected area.
What to Do – and What Not to Do
Do not apply ice, ointment, dressings or bandages to the burned area. Their removal may irritate the area and slow help once medical professionals arrive. Avoid removing any dead skin or breaking up blisters. This is not a job for witnesses who don't know what they're doing at the scene.
Burns are usually most apparent at the point where the electrical source was touched. Look at the heels, hands or head. In children, the mouth or lip may be burned from biting or chewing the electricity source. The affected areas will have a red or dark appearance.