us Health & medical scares

What to do if…
you receive an electric shock and feel unwell or have burns

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: 29 July 2026 Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Move away from the electrical source only if you can do so safely, and call 911 now. Tell the dispatcher that you received an electric shock and feel unwell or have burns, even if the visible burn looks small.

Do not do these things

Do not touch damaged equipment, exposed wiring, water near an electrical source, or anyone who may still be connected to the current.
Do not return to unplug, inspect, or repair the source.
Do not approach a downed power line or high-voltage equipment.
Do not drive yourself while you feel faint, confused, weak, dizzy, or otherwise unwell.
Do not put ice, butter, oil, creams, ointments, or adhesive bandages on an electrical burn.
Do not pull away clothing stuck to burned skin or break blisters.
Do not assume that a small mark or mild-looking burn means there is no internal injury.

What to do now

Reach a safe place without touching the electrical source again. Turn off the power at a circuit breaker only if it is safely accessible and you do not need to cross water or approach damaged equipment.
Call 911, or ask someone nearby to call. Say what caused the shock, when it happened, where the burns are, and how you feel. Mention chest pain, trouble breathing, faintness, confusion, seizures, muscle spasms, numbness, weakness, an unusual heartbeat, a fall, or any loss of consciousness.
Sit or lie down somewhere safe and ask someone to stay with you. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions and do not hang up until told to do so.
Once the power is definitely off, remove rings, watches, jewelry, or clothing near a burn if they are not stuck to the skin.
Cool the burned area under clean, cool running water for at least 15 minutes, unless the dispatcher gives different instructions. Do not use ice or freezing water.
Leave the burn uncovered while waiting for emergency help unless the dispatcher advises otherwise. If help is delayed and the burn needs protection, cover it loosely with a clean, dry, non-adhesive dressing or cloth.
If you fell or have head, neck, or back pain, remain still unless staying where you are creates an immediate danger.
Ask the person with you to watch your breathing and responsiveness. If you become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, they should tell the 911 dispatcher immediately, begin CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator if available, following its prompts.

What can wait

You do not need to decide how deep the burn is, work out the voltage, clean the burn, photograph the equipment, make an insurance or workplace report, arrange repairs, or decide who was responsible. Those things can wait until emergency care is underway and the electrical area has been made safe.

Important reassurance

Calling 911 is an appropriate response when you feel unwell or have burns after an electric shock. You do not need to judge the seriousness yourself, because an electrical injury can affect deeper tissue, nerves, muscles, organs, or the heart without causing a large visible burn.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety, first aid, and contacting emergency help only. Assessment and later care may require emergency clinicians, a burn center, or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a substitute for emergency assessment or professional first-aid training.

Additional Resources

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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