Treating electrical burns

High-voltage injuries

• Keep everyone at least 18 metres away from the electrical source
• Call for the emergency services
• Only when it is safe to do so, as directed by the emergency services, carry out your basic life support procedures

Low-voltage injuries

• Switch off from the MAINS supply 
• Break contact between the electricity and your casualty
• If you are unable to do this, you must insulate yourself before attempting to free your casualty from the supply

Once your casualty is free from the supply: 

• Carry out your basic life support procedures
• Call for the emergency services
• Be aware of any potential serious burns to deal with
• Insulate from the ground, provide shelter and monitor vital signs

Lightning strike

Only when it is safe to do so:

• Call the emergency services
• Carry out your basic life support procedures
• If they are not breathing normally, commence CPR
• Be aware of any potential serious burns to deal with
• Insulate from the ground, provide shelter and monitor vital signs
• Treat your casualty for shock
• If unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position whilst awaiting rescue