Safety · checked 5 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 on speaker. Give your address.
- Once safe: unresponsive and not breathing normally? Start CPR; follow dispatcher.
Fix it nowEight steps
- Call 911 on speaker; 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 electrically safe, shout, tap shoulders, and check breathing for ≤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 adults/teens, stack hands at chest center. - Adults/teens: compress 100–120 times/minute, 2–2.4 inches deep; let chest fully rebound.
Why
Push continuously; 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 stop
Stop and get a pro 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, speech trouble, or limb weakness: call 911.
What it probably is
Electrical injuryContact with electricity; burns, collapse, or abnormal heartbeat. Injuries may be hidden.For a pro
Cardiac arrestUnresponsive; not breathing normally or only gasping. Treat gasping as abnormal breathing.For a pro
FaintingBrief unconsciousness, often after dizziness; may reflect dehydration or serious heart problems.For a pro
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one pro.
Checked against
- MedlinePlus: Electrical injury
- MedlinePlus: Fainting
- American Heart Association: What is CPR
- American Red Cross: CPR steps
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.