What are the on-site first aid measures for electric shock injuries?

Nov 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
After an electric shock injury occurs, scientific and efficient on-site first aid can save lives and reduce harm. Key measures include quickly cutting off the power source, assessing vital signs, properly managing burns, maintaining airway patency, and safely transporting the injured person. Stay calm and act swiftly and correctly during on-site first aid. Before transportation, record basic information such as the time of electric shock and the type of power source.

After an electric shock injury occurs, scientific and efficient on-site first aid can save lives and reduce harm. Key measures include quickly cutting off the power source, assessing vital signs, properly managing burns, maintaining airway patency, and safely transferring the injured person. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Quickly cut off the power source: Immediately turn off the main power switch, or use dry wooden sticks, plastic, or other insulating objects to move the electrical wire away. The rescuer must never touch the victim or the wire directly with bare hands to avoid personal electrocution. Ensure the rescue environment is safe before approaching the victim.

2. Assess vital signs: Once it is safe to approach, immediately check the victim’s consciousness, breathing, and heartbeat. If the victim is conscious with stable breathing and pulse, lay them down flat and keep them at rest, avoiding unnecessary movement. If the victim has lost consciousness, stopped breathing, or suffered cardiac arrest, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

3. Properly manage burns: Electric shocks often cause skin burns. Gently clean the wound with sterile saline solution or clean water to remove contaminants. Then cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean towel to prevent friction or pressure. Do not apply ointments, soy sauce, or other substances arbitrarily, as this may increase the risk of infection or interfere with subsequent medical treatment.

4. Maintain airway patency: If the victim vomits or has increased oral or nasal secretions, turn their head to one side to facilitate drainage. Promptly clear foreign material and secretions from the mouth to prevent airway obstruction. If necessary, lift the jaw, unbutton the collar, and loosen the belt to ensure the chest is unrestricted, thereby supporting effective breathing.

5. Safely transfer the victim: After initial first aid, if the victim's condition is severe or there are obvious external injuries, promptly contact emergency medical services for transportation. During transfer, keep the victim lying flat and continuously monitor their consciousness, breathing, and pulse. If CPR has been initiated, continue it without interruption until arrival at the hospital.

Remain calm during on-site first aid and perform actions swiftly and correctly. Before transfer, record basic information such as the time of electric shock and the type of power source, and communicate this to medical personnel to assist in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Following the incident, the victim should get adequate rest and consume protein- and vitamin-rich foods to support recovery.

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