GuardAssist
GuardAssist
UK Operational Guidance
999
Emergency First Aid
All emergency guides
Emergency

Electric Shock

high

Isolate power first. Never touch casualty still in contact.

Call 999 where appropriate

Break contact — SAFELY

  • Switch off power at mains / trip. Do not touch casualty first.
  • If cannot isolate, stand on dry insulator (wood, rubber mat) and push casualty clear with wooden pole/broom.
  • High voltage (overhead lines, rail): stay 25 m back. Call 999 and utility company.

Treatment

  • Call 999 — cardiac arrhythmia risk even in mild shocks.
  • Check breathing; start CPR if needed.
  • Treat entry and exit burns.
  • Recovery position if unresponsive but breathing.

GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.