For an electrical shock incident, which action should be performed as the initial safety step?

For an electrical shock incident, which action should be performed as the initial safety step?

• A. Move the person
• B. Call emergency services
• C. Shut off the power supply
• D. Use water to cool the burn

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that stopping the electrical energy at its source is the first priority. De-energizing the circuit eliminates the current and prevents further harm to the victim and to anyone assisting. If you can safely reach the main switch or circuit breaker, turn it off; if the source isn’t accessible, you may separate the person from the source only with a nonconductive object, and only if you can do so without becoming a path for current yourself. Once the power is off, call emergency services and then proceed with medical aid, such as checking responsiveness and breathing and providing CPR if needed. Do not move the person while they’re still in contact with a live source, and don’t rely on water to address the electrical hazard—cooling burns is treatment after the area is de-energized and safe.

The key idea is that stopping the electrical energy at its source is the first priority. De-energizing the circuit eliminates the current and prevents further harm to the victim and to anyone assisting. If you can safely reach the main switch or circuit breaker, turn it off; if the source isn’t accessible, you may separate the person from the source only with a nonconductive object, and only if you can do so without becoming a path for current yourself. Once the power is off, call emergency services and then proceed with medical aid, such as checking responsiveness and breathing and providing CPR if needed. Do not move the person while they’re still in contact with a live source, and don’t rely on water to address the electrical hazard—cooling burns is treatment after the area is de-energized and safe.