Assess the situation for dangers

Your first instinct will be to rush over to the child or baby. It's important for your own safety to remember to not touch the casualty if they’re still in contact with the electrical source.

Turn off the source of electricity via the mains supply if possible. Alternatively, you can switch the power off at the plug, but be mindful of touching the child or baby.

You can consider moving the casualty away from the source. You may be able to stand on some dry insulating material (such as a plastic mat or wooden box) and use a broom handle or wooden pole to push the child or baby’s limb away from the source.

If it’s not possible to break contact using a wooden object, loop some rope around the underneath of the casualty’s arms or ankles and pull them away from the electrical source. Do not touch them.

First aid treatments for a baby or child who has suffered from an electric shock

Only once you are sure it is safe and that the casualty is no longer in contact with an electrical source can you touch the child or baby and start the primary survey (DRABCD), as explained in Episode 2 of Unii’s Paediatric First Aid Journey. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help in the UK.

How do I help a child who has had an electric shock?

Unii's Paediatric First Aid Journey shares how to deal with an accident involving electricity.