{"id":62009,"date":"2025-09-04T10:00:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=62009"},"modified":"2025-09-05T04:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T08:11:11","slug":"how-to-respond-when-you-witness-a-shock-or-electrocution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/how-to-respond-when-you-witness-a-shock-or-electrocution\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Respond When\u2026 You Witness a Shock or Electrocution"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your instincts could get you zapped, too<\/h2>\n

Picture this: you see a coworker freeze, their body tense, eyes wide, and you realize in horror, they\u2019re being shocked. Your gut screams, \u201cGrab them! Pull them away!\u201d But here\u2019s the problem: if you act on that instinct, you\u2019ll join them in the emergency, and suddenly there are two victims instead of one.<\/p>\n

Electrical injuries are sneaky. They happen fast, they\u2019re often silent, and they\u2019re always dangerous. The real challenge is resisting the urge to act impulsively and instead knowing the steps that save lives safely.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s talk through what to do when electricity enters the picture. Because if you know the playbook before it happens, you\u2019ll respond smart instead of shocked.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t touch them<\/h2>\n

It feels unnatural to just stand back while someone is in trouble, but when it comes to electricity, distance is your first defense. Assume the current is still live until proven otherwise.<\/p>\n

Your priority is to cut the power source. Use the circuit breaker, unplug the device, or shut down the main switch if you know where it is and it\u2019s safe to reach. Never, ever grab the person directly.<\/p>\n

If you cannot turn off the power, look for something non-conductive, a wooden broom handle, a dry plastic chair, and use it to separate the person from the source without touching them yourself. Keep your own feet dry and avoid metal surfaces.<\/p>\n

Remember: you\u2019re not being cruel by waiting, you\u2019re being smart. The first rescuer\u2019s job is to stay safe, so they can actually help.<\/p>\n

Call emergency services immediately<\/h2>\n

Once the source of electricity is controlled, the next step is bringing in the professionals. Electrical injuries are not DIY territory. Call emergency services immediately.<\/p>\n

When you call, be specific. Say it was an electrical incident. Emergency responders will arrive with the right gear and the right expectations. Provide:<\/p>\n