Electric shock: what to do (and what not to do) when someone is electrocuted
First aid for electric shock begins with a reflex that goes against instinct: do not rush to the victim. Electrocution is one of the rare emergencies where intervening too quickly can make you a second victim in a matter of seconds. Whether the accident occurs at home, on a construction site, or in an office, the steps to take always follow the same logic: secure the area, assess the victim, call for help. Here's how to act calmly and effectively.
Rule number one: your safety first
When someone gets an electric shock, the danger doesn't disappear with the victim's fall. As long as the electricity source is active, the person's body still conducts electricity. If you touch them without having cut off the power, you instantly become a second victim. This is the absolute rule of first aid for electrocution: never touch a victim before securing the electrical source.
If you cannot cut off the power immediately and the victim is still in contact with the source, use a dry, non-conductive object—a dry wooden stick, a plastic handle—to move the source or free the victim. Never use a metallic or wet object, which would conduct electricity to you.
Cutting off the power: possible scenarios
The procedure depends on the type of electrical source involved.
Domestic or industrial current (low voltage): Cut off the power at the circuit breaker, switch, or by unplugging the appliance. This is often the quickest and safest solution.
High-voltage power line (pole, fallen cable): Do not approach within 10 meters of the victim or the line. Immediately call 911 and Hydro-Québec at 1-800-790-2424. Only Hydro-Québec technicians have the equipment to secure these situations. Any attempt to approach, even with a stick, can be fatal.
The main causes of accidents in residential and work environments are faulty electrical appliances, overloaded extension cords, and working near water. Keep these risks in mind to prevent them before an accident occurs.
To equip your workplace or home against these risks, consult our collection of safety equipment at SuperMedic.
After securing the area: assess and intervene
Once the power is cut off and your own safety is ensured, approach the victim and quickly assess their condition.
The victim is conscious and responsive: Lay them on their back, keep them calm, and cover them to prevent chilling. Do not give them anything to drink or eat. Stay with them until help arrives and monitor for any changes in their condition.
The victim is unconscious but breathing: Place them in the recovery position (PLS)—on their side, mouth open downwards—to prevent choking in case of vomiting. Continue to monitor their breathing.
The victim is unconscious and not breathing: Immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives or signs of life appear. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, use it as soon as possible.
Electrical burns: do not underestimate them
Electric current doesn't just burn the skin; it penetrates deep into tissues, damaging muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in its path. A burn that appears minor on the surface can hide significant internal injuries. This is why electrical burns should never be treated like ordinary burns.
To do: cover the burned area with a clean, dry sterile dressing. Not to do: do not apply ice, butter, cream, or any other substance to the burn. Do not remove clothing stuck to the skin. Leave the full assessment to healthcare professionals.
A well-stocked first aid kit includes sterile dressings and protective equipment suitable for this type of situation. Make sure yours is up-to-date.
When to call 911 (answer: always)
The answer is simple: call 911 after any electric shock, without exception. Even if the victim quickly regains consciousness, seems normal, and claims to be fine, they must be assessed by healthcare professionals.
Why? Electric current can cause heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) that do not manifest immediately. Internal injuries—muscle burns, nerve damage—may be present without apparent symptoms in the first few minutes. Only a medical examination can detect them.
This rule also applies to seemingly benign electric shocks: a domestic outlet, brief contact with a bare wire. If someone has received an electric shock, they should seek medical attention.
In the workplace: new 2026 standards
Electrical accidents are among the most serious causes of workplace incidents. Quebec regulations have just been strengthened to better address them.
Since February 12, 2026, the Regulation respecting minimum standards for first aid and first response (RNMPSPS) has been amended. The main change: the number of mandatory first aiders in the workplace is now calculated based on the number of workers simultaneously present on site—and no longer according to a calculation based on the establishment's total workforce. This clarification makes the requirements fairer and better adapted to the reality of variable shifts.
The regulation also harmonizes employer obligations with recognized Canadian standards (CSA), particularly regarding first aid training (CSA Z-1210 standard) and the contents of first aid kits (CSA Z-1220 standard). Nurses can now be officially designated as first aiders by the employer, their professional skills being recognized as equivalent.
As an employer, update your kits, verify the number of first aiders trained according to the new criteria, and ensure your team is ready. SuperMedic offers CSA-compliant first aid kits and resources for your first aid training needs.
Conclusion: prepare before the emergency
An electric shock can occur anywhere, anytime. The actions that make a difference—cutting off the power, not touching the victim beforehand, calling 911, assessing and acting according to the person's condition—are learned and memorized long before an emergency.
The best way to prepare is through first aid training. Knowing the right reflexes is what separates a helpless bystander from an effective intervener. Explore our first aid training resources for yourself and your team, and ensure you have a complete and accessible first aid kit wherever you need it.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace certified first aid training, professional medical advice, or instructions from emergency services. In case of emergency, call 911.