What should be done immediately after a person receives an electrical shock?

• A. Check for breathing and CPR.
• B. Shut off the power or remove the victim from the circuit path.
• C. Call emergency services and wait for help.
• D. Inspect the area for visible burns.

Answer: (B)

The first priority is to stop the electrical current. Shutting off the power or removing the victim from the circuit path eliminates the hazard at its source and prevents further injury to the person and to you as the rescuer. If the source can be turned off safely, do it immediately; if not, use a nonconductive object to separate the person from the live source and call for someone to cut power or to help you without risking a shock. Once the current is off and the scene is safe, check whether the person is breathing and be ready to perform CPR if needed, and call emergency services. Visible burns or other injuries are important, but they don’t take precedence over stopping the current and ensuring the person’s vital signs are addressed.