Causes – Downed power lines, faulty equipment, overloading power boards, lightning strike.

Signs and symptoms

• Check response;

• Electric shock may result in:

1. Respiratory arrest (not breathing);

2. Cardiac arrest (no response);

3. Burns; and

4. Shock.

Safety first

• Remember, metal and water conduct electricity and may be extremely hazardous, do not touch the casualty or

• Any conducting material touching them until:

• The supply of electricity is turned off, and if possible, the appliance is unplugged from the power supply;

• Or, with extreme caution, disconnect the casualty from the electricity supply using a dry non-conducting material (e.g. Wooden stick or dry clothing).

First aid

• Call an ambulance and keep bystanders back;

• Treat any other injuries that may be present;

• Use water to cool any entry or exit wounds and burns;

• Promptly refer all casualties of electric shock for medical assessment;

• The same treatment applies for people who have been struck by lightning;

• If in cardiac arrest commence CPR.