Free First Aid for Electric Shock Poster
Electric Shock First Aid Poster - Free Download
Electric currents can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, but the first priority should always be your own safety. Our free first aid for shock poster provides clear, step-by-step guidance on responding to an electric shock, so you can act swiftly without putting yourself at risk.
It is suitable for workplaces and public spaces, helping anyone respond quickly while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Our high-quality poster is printable and available to download instantly. This electric shock first aid poster follows recognised first aid guidance and aligns with industry regulators and voluntary aided societies.
Download Your Free Electric Shock Poster
This free poster provides easy-to-follow guidance on how to respond to an electric shock if there’s an incident in your workplace.
📄 Print-friendly PDF format📍 Recommended for A4 or A3 printing 🏢 Suitable for workplace display
What is Electric Shock?
An electric shock is when an electrical current passes through your body. The human body is approximately 60% water, which makes it an excellent conductor of electricity.
When the human body becomes part of an electrical circuit, the electrical current can disrupt the body’s own electrical signals, especially those that control the heart and other muscles.
“An electric shock happens when an electrical current touches or passes through your body. The exact effects vary depending on several factors, especially the type of electricity and its source. Electrocution is when an electric shock causes a severe injury or death.”
The severity of an electric shock depends on several factors, including the voltage and the type of current, with high-voltage alternating current (AC) being the most dangerous.
The path the current takes (for example, through your heart) and how long you are in contact with it will also affect the severity of the electric shock.
“The exact effect [of an electric shock] is dependent upon a large number of things, including the size of the voltage, which parts of the body are involved, how damp the person is, and the length of time the current flows.”
What Causes an Electrical Shock?
An electrical shock occurs when your body completes an active electrical circuit. It can happen anywhere there is electricity, but some of the most common causes include:
Faulty appliances or electronics
Damaged, worn, outdated or exposed electrical wiring
Ungrounded electrical systems
Electrical lines (such as power lines)
Using electrical equipment near water
DIY electrical work
Child hazards (e.g., a toddler inserting an object into a socket)
Lightning strikes
For a complete step-by-step breakdown of how to respond to an electrical shock safely, download your free electrical shock first aid poster.
What Are the Symptoms of Electric Shock?
Electric shock symptoms can range significantly depending on the voltage, duration of contact and the level of moisture present. Here’s an overview of the most common electric shock symptoms:
Pain - abdominal or chest pain
Muscular effects - muscle spasms, weakness or loss of muscular control (for example, being unable to let go of the source of the electrical current)
Broken bones or dislocated joints- either from the shock or muscle spasms
Neurological issues - numbness or tingling in the skin, headaches, confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness
Heart problems - irregular heartbeats, chest pain or complete cardiac arrest in severe cases
Skin burns - redness, swelling or charred skin (commonly at the entry and exit points of the electricity)
Respiratory problems - difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Sensory issues - difficulty seeing or hearing
Weak, irregular or no pulse
Always call 999 immediately if someone has experienced an electric shock and experiences any of the following symptoms:
Loss of consciousness
Cardiac arrest
Severe breathing difficulties
Deep electrical burns
Seizures
Prolonged confusion
How to Treat Electric Shock?
If someone has experienced an electric shock, it’s important to act as quickly as possible, but it’s also crucial to keep yourself safe.
Remember:
Always check that the scene is safe before you approach
Never touch the casualty without first turning off the power source
If you can’t turn off the power, push the power source or person away using a dry, non-conductive object (such as a wooden spoon)
Call 999 as soon as possible and start CPR if the casualty is not breathing
Step-by-Step Electrical Shock Protocol
Follow these steps in the event of an electric shock.
Always remember: Stop. Look. Switch off. Stay safe.
Make sure it’s safe to approach the casualty.
Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source.
First, assess the situation and avoid touching the casualty while contact remains.
Turn off the power at the mains, plug, switch, circuit breaker, or isolator (this aligns with NHS guidance) - if it’s safe to do so.
This breaks contact between the person and the electrical supply.
If you cannot switch it off, break contact safely
Use a dry, non-conductive object such as a wooden broom handle, wooden pole, or plastic object to move the electrical source away from the person, or the person away from the source.
Stand on dry insulating material, such as a plastic mat or wooden box, where possible.
Only approach and touch the person once you are certain the electrical contact has been broken.
This guidance is consistent across all first aid training authorities (St John Ambulance, NHS and British Red Cross).
Carry Out a Primary Survey
|
Step |
What to check |
|
D |
Danger: is the area now safe? |
|
R |
Response: are they responsive? |
|
C |
Call 999/112 and check for catastrophic bleeding |
|
A |
Airway: open the airway if needed |
|
B |
Breathing: look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds |
|
C |
Start CPR: if the casualty is not breathing normally |
Assess the person’s responsiveness - shake the person’s shoulders gently and shout, “Are you okay?”.
Open their airway - tilt their head back and lift their chin to ensure the tongue is not blocking the airway.
Check their breathing - look, listen and feel for normal breathing for approximately 10 seconds.
Call for emergency help, especially if the person:
Is unresponsive or not breathing normally
Has burns
Is suffering from chest pain
Is confused or weak
Has received a significant shock
Call 999.
Ask someone to get an AED.
Begin chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Use the AED as soon as it arrives, following the voice prompts.
Keep monitoring their breathing and level of response.
Treat visible injuries such as burns - view our first aid for burns poster for more information on this.
Be ready to act if they become unresponsive.
Why First Aid Electric Shock Posters Alone Are Not Enough?
While adult CPR posters are valuable for workplaces, they do not replace practical first aid training. Hands-on training builds confidence and ensures staff can respond effectively in real emergencies.
As part of your workplace risk assessment, you should identify the necessary first aid safety posters and signage, as well as the most suitable training for your staff.
The team at First Aid Safety delivers in-house workplace first aid training across London and the UK.
Looking for In-House First Aid Training?
The First Aid Safety team delivers expert in-house first aid training at your workplace in London and across the UK.
We offer a range of regulated, HSE-compliant workplace first aid courses which are accredited by Qualifications Network UK, including:
Our comprehensive nationwide network of first-aid training instructors can deliver tailored training to your staff at a time and place that works for you.
Electric Shock First Aid Poster FAQs
If someone has received an electric shock, the first thing you should do is break their contact with the electrical source by turning off the power at the mains. Do not touch the person until you are sure that the power is off.
Follow these steps:
Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with electricity.
Switch off the power at the mains, plug, breaker, or isolator.
If you cannot switch it off, use a dry wooden or plastic object to move the source away.
Only approach once safe.
Check response, airway and breathing.
Call 999 (in the UK) or 112.
If not breathing normally, start CPR and use an AED.
If breathing, treat injuries and monitor until help arrives.
Unless you have verified that the electricity is turned off, you should always assume that the person is still in contact with the electrical source. You should not touch the person until you have switched off the electricity at the mains or source.
Alternatively, you can use a non-conductive (e.g. dry wooden or plastic) object to move the person or electrical source apart.
Some common signs that the person is still in contact with electricity include:
Involuntary muscle contractions
Muscle rigidity or shivering
Buzzing or hissing sounds
Smoke or sparks near the point of contact
Nearby wires or electrical equipment with which they are in contact
Electric shock can be extremely serious and can cause life-threatening injuries or even death.
Always call 999 immediately if someone has experienced a severe electric shock. Look for the following warning signs:
Difficulty breathing
Loss of consciousness
Heart problems or chest pain
Seizures, confusion, tingling or paralysis
Issues with vision, speech or hearing
Deep burns on the entry and exit points of the electric current
Muscle spasms which have caused broken bones or dislocated joints
Muscle damage, swelling or other trauma as a result of muscle contractions
Yes. Our poster is print-ready in PDF format. A4 or A3 paper is recommended for maximum visibility.
This electric shock poster should be displayed in a prominent and visible location, such as:
High-risk electrical zones, such as plant rooms, electrical test areas or substations
Near first aid kits and AEDs
Communal employee areas, such as
Staff rooms
Break rooms
Kitchens and dining areas
High traffic areas, such as:
Reception areas
Hallways
Displaying your electric shock poster in a prominent location is the best way to ensure first aid guidance can be accessed by all employees in the event of an emergency.
