Safety · checked 6 Oct 2026
Someone collapsed or got an electric shock
Safety, right now
- Do not touch anyone contacting electricity; stay away from power lines.
- Call 911. Give your address.
- Once safe: unresponsive and not breathing normally? Start CPR; follow dispatcher.
While you wait for help
- Call 911; give your address and describe electrical dangers.
Why
Dispatchers guide lifesaving care while sending responders. - Cut the power only if you can reach it safely and dry.
Why
Otherwise stay back; never approach power lines or enter electrified water. - Once safe: shout, tap shoulders, check breathing for up to 10 seconds.
Why
Unresponsiveness with absent normal breathing requires CPR; gasping isn't normal.
The other five steps
- If unresponsive and breathing abnormally, start CPR on their back, firm surface.
Why
For an adult or teen, stack your hands at the center of the chest. - For an adult or teen: 100–120 pushes a minute, 2–2.4 inches deep.
Why
Let the chest come fully back up each time. Push without stopping; trained rescuers may give 30 compressions, then two breaths. - For children or infants, follow dispatcher-guided CPR, including rescue breaths.
Why
Children and infants need breaths as well as compressions. - Send someone for an AED; follow its voice; stand clear for shocks.
Why
Continue CPR until normal breathing returns or responders take over. - Breathing normally? Watch them closely; move them only for safety or breathing.
Why
Falls can injure the spine; breathing can worsen.
When to call
Call 911 if:
Live electricity, standing water near electricity, or power lines: stop approaching; await responders.
Unresponsive, not breathing normally, or only gasping: call 911; continue CPR when safe.
Electrical injury, even after apparent recovery: get emergency medical assessment.
Chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, seizure, or trouble speaking or moving: call 911.
Checked against
- CDC: What to do to protect yourself from electrical hazards
- MedlinePlus (NLM summary): Electrical injuries
- NINDS (NIH): Syncope (fainting)
- NHS: Fainting
- Harford County, Maryland: What happens when you call 911
- American Heart Association: What is CPR
- American Red Cross: CPR steps
- American Red Cross: Child and baby CPR
- American Red Cross: AED steps
- Texas Department of Insurance: First aid for burns
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 6 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.