Direct contact with electrical current can cause sustained muscular contraction that may prevent the victim from releasing the electrical source. Shut off the electrical current if it can be done safely by unplugging the cord or turning off the main power switch. Merely turning off an instrument or appliance will not always stop the flow of electricity.
If the current cannot be turned off, a non-conductive material such as a wood or plastic broom or chair, a rug, or a rubber mat can be used to push the victim away from the source of the current. Do NOT use a wet or metal object, and do NOT touch the victim with your bare hands. Verify that the object that is used does not have a metal core.
As an extra precaution, stand on something dry and non-conducting, such as a mat or stack of paper, while attempting to free the victim from the electrical current.
Call a physician immediately. Lower the victim's head to slightly lower than the trunk of the body, and elevate the legs unless there is an injury that may prevent you from doing so. Do what you can to keep the victim warm. This may include covering the victim with a blanket or coat. This may not be appropriate if there are severe burns, as the fibers from the material could stick to the burn.
Begin CPR if the victim's breathing and/or pulse has stopped or seems dangerously slow or shallow.
