Electric shock may injure the nervous system and burn the skin and deeper tissues. If powerful enough, the electric current may stop the heart or bring on ventricular fibrillation, a very serious type of irregular rhythm. Even low-voltage household currents can be dangerous, particularly when the skin is moist or wet. The longer the contact with the current the greater the danger.

What to do: Be careful not to contact the live wire yourself. If the switch is near, turn off the current at once. Better still, turn off the main switch. If someone has contacted a live electric wire out on the road, do not touch him with your bare hands. Use a dry, dead stick, a dry rope, or clothing to remove the live wire from the victim. Be sure whatever you use is dry; otherwise you may be electrocuted in trying to save the victim.

First aid: Once the electrical circuit has been broken begin artificial respiration at once. Meanwhile, have someone call a physician. Continue artificial respiration as long as may be necessary. If the heart has stopped, press sharply over middle of the chest pushing vigorously about 60 times a minute. This closed-cardiac massage may start the heart going again. Continue until the pulse is regular and strong.

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