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Separate the Person From Current’s Source
To turn off power:
- Unplug an appliance if plug is undamaged or shut off power via circuit breaker, fuse box, or outside switch.
If you can’t turn off power:
- Stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as dry newspapers, telephone book, or wooden board.
- Try to separate the person from current using non-conductive object such as wooden or plastic broom handle, chair, or rubber doormat.
If high voltage lines are involved:
- The local power company must shut them off.
- Do not try to separate the person from current if you feel a tingling sensation in your legs and lower body. Hop on one foot to a safe place where you can wait for lines to be disconnected.
- If a power line falls on a car, instruct the passengers to stay inside unless explosion or fire threatens.
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Do CPR, if Necessary
When you can safely touch the person, do CPR if the person is not breathing or does not have a pulse.
- For a child, start CPR for children
- For an adult, start adult CPR.
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Check for Other Injuries
- If the person is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate the wound if it’s in an arm or leg.
- There may be a fracture if the shock caused the person to fall.
- For burns, see Burn Treatment.
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Wait for ambulance to Arrive
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Follow Up
- A doctor will check the person for burns, fractures, dislocations, and other injuries.
- An ECG, blood tests, CT scan, or MRI may be necessary.
- The person may be admitted to the hospital or a burn center.