Contact with live electricity can cause serious injury or death. You can help by knowing what to do.

The patient may:

• still be connected to an electrical cable or appliance
• be unconscious
• have stopped breathing
• have burns where the electrical current entered and exited their body

• ENSURE YOUR SAFETY – turn the electricity off. DO NOT approach a patient if they may still be connected to electricity
• Call 111 for an ambulance if they are unconscious or are injured or unwell
• If they are unconscious and not breathing, place them on their back and start CPR
• If they are unconscious and breathing place them on their side
• If conscious, check for injuries or burns (see tips on burns)

For comprehensive first aid information please refer to the St John Emergency Handbook. You can also ensure you’re ready to help by completing a St John First Aid course.