What to do in an emergency
Do not touch anyone who is receiving an electric shock.
If a person is injured, dial 000 and ask for Ambulance.
- 000 is Australia's primary emergency service number and should be used to access emergency assistance from fixed, mobile and pay phones in the first instance.
- 112 is the GSM standard emergency service number for use with GSM digital mobile phones. 112 may not be available on CDMA mobile phones. Your provider can tell you if you are able to access 112 from your CDMA mobile phone.
Turn off the power or try to separate the victim from the power source using a non-conductive (ie. non-metallic) item.
When it is safe to approach the victim – the power has been turned off or the victim freed– commence first-aid:
- Turn the unconscious victim onto the side.
- Check for breathing.
- If not breathing, start resuscitation.
It is a good idea to keep your first-aid skills particularly resuscitation skills, up-to-date.
More about first aid.
If overhead powerlines have fallen down, you should do the following:
- do not touch anyone who is receiving a shock from the fallen powerlines as these may be operating at high voltage
- notify the relevant electricity entity or Police
- keep others away from the fallen powerlines
Do not attempt a rescue until the relevant electricity entity has made the situation electrically safe.
Electric shock and water are even deadlier.
Bare feet and wet skin lower the body’s electrical resistance. The effects of an electrical shock on a person in or near water are likely to be more severe than in other places.
Even a small voltage can cause drowning due to loss of muscular control.
Remember: always try to turn off the power supply first.
Last updated August 31, 2005