🔴 Truth Drop

Every year, 7,000+ Indians die from electric shocks — most while trying to help someone else.
(Source: NCRB Accidental Deaths Data, 2024)

“Electricity doesn’t forgive mistakes — not even of good intentions.”

A wrong move during rescue can kill both the victim and the rescuer.
Knowing how to act safely makes the difference between a rescue and another tragedy.


📖 Why It Happens

Electrical shocks can occur anywhere — at home, office, or roadside:

  • Wet hands while plugging devices
  • Broken cables or exposed wires
  • Faulty switches or equipment
  • Contact with fallen power lines
  • Using metal rods near electric poles
  • Working in rain without insulation

Most victims die not from the shock itself, but because of delayed rescue, cardiac arrest, or secondary injuries like burns or falls.


⚠️ First Rule: Never Touch the Victim Directly

Electricity travels through bodies, metal, and even wet floors.
Your first goal: cut the power, not rush to pull the person away.


🧩 Step-by-Step Rescue Process

1️⃣ Ensure Your Safety First

  • Do not touch or go near the victim until the power source is confirmed off.
  • Turn off main switchboard, circuit breaker, or plug if accessible.
  • If you can’t find it, shout for help — don’t approach blindly.

💡 Remember: Electricity may be invisible, but it’s always present where wires are alive.


2️⃣ Cut Power Supply (Safely)

  • Use dry wooden stick, PVC pipe, plastic chair, or cloth rope to push the wire away.
  • Stand on dry wooden plank, rubber mat, or thick plastic — never directly on ground.
  • Keep at least 3 feet distance while disconnecting.

🚫 Never use metal tools, wet hands, or bare feet.


3️⃣ Move the Victim to Safety (Once Power is Off)

  • If safe, pull the person using dry cloth, rope, or non-metallic material.
  • Drag gently away from the wire — at least 10 feet.
  • Lay the person on their back on a flat surface.

4️⃣ Check Response and Breathing

  • Tap shoulders, call loudly.
  • If unconscious, check breathing for 10 seconds:
     → No breathing or pulse → Start CPR immediately.
     → If breathing → Place in recovery position (side-lying).

(Refer to Blog #53 – CPR Basics for Everyone for full CPR steps.)


5️⃣ Treat Burns and Injuries

  • Identify entry and exit wounds (usually small but deep).
  • Cool the burn with clean, running water for 10 minutes.
  • Do not break blisters or apply creams.
  • Cover with sterile gauze or clean cloth.

6️⃣ Call for Emergency Help

  • Dial 108 / 112 (mention “electrocution” clearly).
  • If near workplace, inform safety officer or electrical engineer.
  • Continue CPR if no pulse until medical team arrives.

🧠 Signs of Severe Electric Injury

⚠️ Take victim to hospital even if they appear “fine” — internal damage can be fatal.

SymptomPossible Injury
Irregular heartbeatCardiac arrhythmia
Burns at entry/exitDeep tissue injury
Numbness or weaknessNerve damage
Confusion / memory lossBrain impact
Shortness of breathLung damage

🧰 Everyday Prevention Checklist

✅ Always switch off main power before repairs.
✅ Keep electrical boards away from sinks and stoves.
✅ Never use wet hands to touch switches or plugs.
✅ Replace damaged wires and use insulated tools.
✅ Teach children never to touch wires or sockets.
✅ Install RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) in homes — it cuts current during faults.
✅ Avoid using extension cords for heavy equipment.


⚙️ For Outdoor Situations (Fallen Wires, Floods, Work Areas)

  • Stay 10 metres (30 feet) away from fallen power lines.
  • Warn others loudly — “Stay back, live wire!”
  • In floods, do not touch metal fences, poles, or submerged switches.
  • Wait for electricity department to isolate the line.

🧭 Myth vs Truth

MythTruth
“Rubber shoes always protect you.”❌ Not guaranteed — moisture can still conduct.
“Wood is always safe.”❌ Only dry wood works; wet wood conducts electricity.
“Victim looks okay, so no need for hospital.”❌ Wrong — internal organs may be damaged.
“Electric shock burns are visible.”❌ Many deep burns are hidden under skin.

📊 Visual Infographic Suggestion

Title: “How to Rescue from Electric Shock — The Safe Way”
Flow:
1️⃣ Don’t Touch → 2️⃣ Cut Power → 3️⃣ Move Safely → 4️⃣ Check Breathing → 5️⃣ CPR → 6️⃣ Call 108
Visual: human figure near wire, rescuer using stick + dry surface


📢 Systemic Lessons

India must:

  • Mandate RCCB and grounding audits for all residential and industrial buildings.
  • Introduce electric shock rescue training in schools, workplaces, and safety programs.
  • Ensure Electricity Boards have quick emergency isolation response systems.
  • Publish awareness signage at construction and public work zones.

📣 Call to Action

⚡ Electricity saves lives — but ignorance takes them.
👉 Learn the safe rescue method today.
Your calm mind and dry hands can make the difference between tragedy and survival.


📎 References

  • NDMA “Electrical Safety & Accident Prevention Manual,” 2024
  • Ministry of Power “Household Electrocution Data Report,” 2023
  • WHO “First Response to Electrical Injuries,” 2022
  • VFF India “Public Electrocution Awareness Study,” 2025

🔚 Closing Line

You don’t need to be an electrician to save a life — just aware, alert, and careful.
This is why we built HowToSurvive.in — to teach safe action before fear takes control.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.