How to Perform CPR for Electrocution Victims: A Step-by-Step Guide

Electrocution is a life-threatening emergency that results from contact with electrical currents in household appliances, outdoor environments, or industrial settings. Immediate action is vital to save the victim’s life, and knowing how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation correctly makes a life-saving difference. This guide will walk you through the steps to perform CPR for electrocution victims, including necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from further harm.

What is Electrocution?

Electrocution happens when a person comes into contact with an electrical source, which leads to severe injuries or even death. The severity depends on factors like voltage, duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through the body.

Common Causes of Electrocution

Here are the common causes of electrocution:

• Household appliances: Faulty wiring or damaged appliances lead to dangerous electrical shocks.
• Water-related electrocutions: Water is a strong conductor of electricity, so electrocution incidents often occur in hot tubs, baths, or near water sources.
• Industrial equipment: High-voltage machinery or improper safety practices result in industrial electrocutions.
• Faulty wiring or outlets: Poor electrical maintenance exposes people to harmful currents.

How to Perform CPR for an Electrocution Victim?

When performing CPR on an electric shock victim, there are specific factors and techniques to consider due to the nature of the injury. Here's a step by step guide:

1. Ensure Safety: Turn off the power source or disconnect the victim from the electrical current using a non-conductive object. Do not touch the victim until you're sure the power supply is off.
2. Check for Responsiveness: Tap the victim and shout to check if they are conscious.
3. Call 911: Explain the situation and that the injury is due to electrocution. Use speakerphone if performing CPR alone.
4. Check Breathing and Pulse: Look for chest movement or listen for breathing. If there’s no breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.
5. Start Chest Compressions: Place your hands in the center of the chest. Perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
6. Give Rescue Breaths: Tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give 2 breaths. Each breath should make the chest rise.
7. Use an AED if Available: If an AED is nearby, apply the pads and follow the device's instructions.
8. Continue CPR: Perform cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the electric shock victim starts breathing.
9. Monitor for Signs of Life: Keep checking for breathing or movement, and continue CPR if necessary.

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1. Ensure Scene Safety

Turn off the power immediately by locating the circuit breaker or power switch. In the case of a large appliance, unplug it or shut off the power at the main breaker. For outdoor incidents involving downed power lines, stay clear and wait for emergency personnel.

Use a dry, non-conductive object like a wooden broom handle, plastic pipe, or thick rubber to push the person away from the electrical source if the power cannot be turned off. Avoid stepping in water or touching metal surfaces, as they conduct electricity. Ensure that the surrounding area is dry before approaching the victim.

2. Check for Responsiveness

Once the power source is off and it’s safe to approach, tap the victim gently on the shoulders while speaking loudly to see if they respond. Say something like, “Can you hear me?” or “Are you okay?”

Look for any signs of movement, groaning, or even slight changes in breathing to indicate some responsiveness.

• If the victim is still breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position to prevent choking, but stay close and monitor their condition.
• If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), immediately proceed to the next steps.

3. Call Emergency Services (911) Immediately

Call 911 before starting CPR if you're alone. Use the speaker function on your phone to communicate with the dispatcher while performing CPR. Let the dispatcher know the victim has suffered an electrical injury, as this will help guide the response team to bring necessary equipment (like cardiac monitors or advanced airway tools).

Mention where the electrocution occurred, whether the victim is still in contact with electricity (if you haven’t been able to turn it off), and if you are starting CPR. Provide any additional information that is helpful for the responders, such as burns.

4. Check for Breathing and Pulse

Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air from the victim’s mouth. Simultaneously check for a pulse by placing two fingers on the carotid artery in the neck.

• Look: Observe the chest for any rise or fall. This will indicate whether the victim is breathing.
• Listen: Place your ear near the victim’s mouth to hear for breaths.
• Feel: Place your cheek near the mouth to feel for airflow, while simultaneously placing two fingers on the carotid artery in the neck to check for a pulse.

If no breathing or pulse is detected within 10 seconds, immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association recommends starting CPR within minutes of collapse to improve survival chances.

5. Start Chest Compressions

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest, between the nipples (lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top of the first, interlocking your fingers. Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly over your hands to use your body weight.

Chest Compression Technique:

• Push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Aim for at least 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) deep in adults. For children, press 1/3 the depth of their chest (about 2 inches). For infants, use two fingers and compress about 1.5 inches.
• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to allow the heart to refill with blood.

Do not stop compressions unless you are giving rescue breaths, using an AED, or if you see signs of life. Minimize interruptions to maintain circulation.

6. Give Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, open the victim's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Place one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin to gently tilt the head back. This will prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.

Quickly look in the mouth to ensure there are no visible obstructions caused by the electrocution, such as burns or foreign objects.

Give two breaths:

• Pinch the victim’s nose closed with your fingers.
• Cover their mouth completely with yours to create a tight seal.
• Blow steadily for about 1 second for each breath, watching to ensure the chest rises.
• If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. Each breath should make the chest visibly rise.

Avoid excessive breaths. Giving too much air leads to vomiting or air entering the stomach, so make sure each breath is just enough to inflate the lungs.

7. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if Available

Retrieve the AED quickly and follow the device’s voice prompts.

• Turn on the AED and follow the voice or visual prompts provided by the device. Remove the victim’s shirt to expose the chest.
• Apply the AED pads: Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest (below the collarbone) and the other on the lower left side (below the armpit). For small children or infants, follow the specific AED instructions, (one pad on the front and one on the back)
• Analyze the heart rhythm: The AED will analyze the victim’s heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, ensure no one is touching the victim and press the shock button.

Resume CPR immediately after the shock is delivered, or if the AED advises that no shock is needed. Continue with cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

8. Continue CPR

Maintain the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Continue this rhythm for 2 minutes or 5 cycles (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths equals one cycle). Do not stop compressions for more than a few seconds (for breaths or AED use), as continuous blood circulation is critical. Alternate chest compressions every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue if someone else is available.

After every 2 minutes of CPR, the AED will re-analyze the heart rhythm and instruct you to give another shock.

9. Monitor for Signs of Life

Keep an eye on the victim for any signs of life, such as normal breathing, coughing, or moving. If they start breathing again but remain unconscious, place them in the recovery position:

• Turn them onto their side, ensuring their airway stays open (tilt the head slightly back).
• Keep their mouth angled toward the ground so fluids (like vomit) drain out, preventing choking.

After 5 cycles of CPR, check if the victim is breathing normally or has a pulse. If there are no signs of life, continue CPR until professional help arrives or the victim begins to breathe and move on their own.

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Special Considerations for Electrocution Victims:

• Look for burns where electricity entered and exited the body, typically at the hands and feet, but continue with CPR regardless of visible injuries.
• Understand that internal injuries caused by electrocution are common, requiring immediate medical attention even after the victim appears to recover.
• Recognize that heart arrhythmias resulting from the electric shock make it essential to use an AED as soon as possible.

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Post-Rescue Care and Monitoring

After the victim starts breathing again, monitor for additional complications. Electrocution causes internal injuries that are not immediately visible, including damage to internal organs and muscles. Even if the victim seems stable, serious issues such as cardiac arrhythmias develop hours later. Watch for symptoms like

• Irregular heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Dizziness

Immediate medical attention is essential for a thorough evaluation and treatment of any potential internal damage.

Burn Treatment

Electrical burns are not always visible but cause deep tissue damage. Avoid applying ice or any creams. Instead, cover the affected area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to protect it and reduce the risk of infection. Continue monitoring the burn site for any signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, or blisters, and seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

What should I do if someone is electrocuted in water?

If someone is electrocuted in water, turn off the power source before attempting to help. If you cannot turn off the power, do not touch the victim and call emergency services immediately.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around 10% of electrical fatalities occur in water-related incidents. Handling the victim while they are still in contact with the source of electricity causes additional harm to both the rescuer and the victim.

Can I get electrocuted while performing CPR?

No, you cannot get electrocuted while performing CPR, as long as the electrical source is turned off and the victim is no longer in contact with the electrical current.

Ensure that both the victim and the area are dry to further reduce risk, and avoid touching any remaining electrical hazards. The primary concern should be administering CPR effectively while safeguarding against potential electrical risks.

What should I do if I’m alone and need to perform CPR?

If you’re alone and need to perform CPR, call 911 first and then start CPR immediately. Continue CPR until emergency help arrives or the victim recovers. According to research, early and effective CPR improves outcomes, as the heart and brain are particularly vulnerable to prolonged periods without oxygen.

How does it feel to be electrocuted?

The feeling of being electrocuted often includes a painful shock, muscle contractions, and burns. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), even low-voltage shocks are extremely painful.

High-voltage shocks lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, or internal injuries. This is often due to the shock affecting the nervous system and disrupting normal brain function.

Can you get electrocuted from a boat battery?

Yes, mishandling a boat battery results in electrocution. Boat batteries often store high electric currents that cause severe shocks if not handled correctly. Statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that improper battery handling in boats is a common cause of electrical accidents. Ensure proper maintenance and safe handling practices to prevent accidents.

Can you get electrocuted in the shower?

Yes, electrocution in the shower is possible if there are issues with electrical wiring or appliances. Water is a good conductor of electricity, and exposure to faulty wiring or electrical devices in the bathroom increases the risk of electrocution. According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, electrical faults in bathrooms are a safety concern, emphasizing the need for proper installation and maintenance.

Can you get electrocuted in the shower during a thunderstorm?

Yes, during a thunderstorm, lightning causes electrical surges that travel through plumbing and electrical wiring. This leads to electrocution if a person is using electrical devices or touching metal fixtures. The National Weather Service warns that lightning indeed strikes plumbing, making it dangerous to use water-related facilities during storms.

What happens if you get electrocuted from an outlet?

Electrocution from an outlet leads to mild shocks or severe injuries, including burns, muscle contractions, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death, depending on the voltage and duration of contact.

How does someone get electrocuted in a hot tub?

Electrocution in a hot tub results from faulty electrical installations or the presence of electrical devices near the water. Hot tubs require careful attention to electrical safety, including proper grounding and maintenance of electrical components. If wiring is defective or improperly installed, it creates a dangerous situation where electrical currents enter the water. Additionally, using electrical appliances or devices close to or in the hot tub increases the risk of electrocution, as water is a good conductor of electricity.

How to rescue someone being electrocuted in water?

Rescuing someone who is being electrocuted in water requires immediate and careful action. First, ensure that you cut off the power source to stop the electrical current from flowing, if possible. Avoid direct contact with the victim while they are still in contact with electricity; use a non-conductive object to move the person away from the water. Once the power is off and it is safe to approach, help the victim to a dry, safe location. Call 911 for professional medical assistance immediately, as electrocution causes severe injuries. Begin CPR if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, following standard CPR procedures. This approach helps to minimize further harm and provides critical support until professional help arrives.

How to not get electrocuted?

Avoid getting electrocuted by following these precautions:

• Handle Electrical Devices Safely: Never touch electrical devices with wet hands or on wet surfaces.
• Maintain Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain electric appliances, electrical cords, and outlets. Replace any damaged or frayed cords immediately.
• Use Safety Devices: Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Follow Proper Procedures: Ensure all electrical work is performed by a licensed professional.
• Be Cautious Around Water: Keep electrical devices away from water sources, and avoid handling electrical equipment if you are in or near water.

A human being can be electrocuted if a current passes through the body, making it crucial to adhere to safety measures and avoid exposure to electrical hazards.

How Can Bystanders Use CPR Training to Assist Victims of Electric Shock Injuries?

Bystanders with CPR training play a crucial role in aiding victims of electric shock injuries by using their skills to stabilize the victim until professional help arrives. Their knowledge of performing CPR helps maintain essential blood flow and oxygenation, vital for survival. They use an AED if available, addressing potential cardiac issues caused by the electric shock. By staying calm and focused, trained bystanders offer critical support, improving the chances of recovery and minimizing the impact of the injury. Comprehensive CPR and first aid training equip individuals with the expertise needed to handle such emergencies effectively.

Sources:

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2020). Electrical Safety. l
• Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). (2021). Boat Battery Safety. 
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2022). Electrical Safety in the Home. 
• National Weather Service (NWS). (2021). Lightning Safety. 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Electrical Injuries. 

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