If a coworker becomes a victim of shock, what should you do?

If a coworker becomes a victim of shock, what should you do?

• A. Safely disconnect them from the power source
• B. Call emergency services without touching them
• C. Move the victim away from the power while still connected
• D. Check for a pulse

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is stopping the electrical current as quickly and safely as possible. When someone is shocked, the energy is still flowing through their body, so the first priority is to remove the source of power without putting yourself at risk. If you can do it safely, shut off the power at the breaker, unplug the equipment, or switch off the circuit. If turning off the power isn’t safe to reach, use a dry, non-conductive object to separate the person from the source—never touch them while the circuit may still be live. Once the power is off, check the person’s responsiveness and breathing, and call emergency services if needed. If there is no breathing or no pulse, begin CPR while help is on the way. If there are burns, cover them with a sterile dressing and monitor for changes in condition, as electrical injuries can affect heart rhythm and other systems even after the source is removed.

The main idea here is stopping the electrical current as quickly and safely as possible. When someone is shocked, the energy is still flowing through their body, so the first priority is to remove the source of power without putting yourself at risk. If you can do it safely, shut off the power at the breaker, unplug the equipment, or switch off the circuit. If turning off the power isn’t safe to reach, use a dry, non-conductive object to separate the person from the source—never touch them while the circuit may still be live.

Once the power is off, check the person’s responsiveness and breathing, and call emergency services if needed. If there is no breathing or no pulse, begin CPR while help is on the way. If there are burns, cover them with a sterile dressing and monitor for changes in condition, as electrical injuries can affect heart rhythm and other systems even after the source is removed.