If someone is in contact with live electricity, stay clear and do not touch them. Turn off the supply at the mains or circuit breaker only if you can reach it safely. Call 995 from a safe place if the person is still in danger, has collapsed, has breathing difficulty or has another serious injury. NHS electric shock first aid · Mayo Clinic electric shock first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
Stay away from downed cables, high-voltage equipment and any water that may be in contact with a live source. Tell SCDF about the hazard. Once it is safe to approach, check responsiveness and breathing. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow the dispatcher’s CPR instructions and send someone for an AED. Merck Manual electrical injuries · Singapore CPR and AED Guidelines 2026
- Make the electrical scene safe before approaching.
- Call 995 for live danger, high-voltage exposure or serious symptoms.
- Seek medical advice promptly after an electrical injury, even if you see little or no skin damage.
On this page · At Home or in a School Workshop · Once the Power Is Confirmed Off · After the Incident · Frequently Asked Questions
At Home or in a School Workshop
Tell others to stay back. Switch off the circuit only from a dry, safe position. If you cannot safely reach the breaker or are unsure whether power is off, keep clear and call for help. At school or work, alert the teacher, technician or site staff from safety. NHS electric shock first aid · Merck Manual electrical injuries
Once the Power Is Confirmed Off
Check whether the person responds and is breathing normally. Give 995 the exact location, source of the shock if known and any symptoms. Mention a fall, burns or a seizure. Electrical injury can affect the heart or deeper tissue, so report symptoms even when no burn is visible. Merck Manual electrical injuries · Mayo Clinic electric shock first aid · SCDF emergency medical services
After the Incident
Ask a clinician about assessment after an electrical injury. Keep the faulty appliance or circuit out of use and arrange inspection by a qualified person. EMA recommends getting a licensed electrical worker to replace damaged power points or sockets. Mayo Clinic electric shock first aid · EMA electrical safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pull the person away by their clothes?
Keep clear while the electricity may still be live. Shut off the supply only if safe and follow SCDF directions. NHS electric shock first aid · Mayo Clinic electric shock first aid
What if the person fell after the shock?
Tell the dispatcher about the fall as well as the shock. Avoid unnecessary movement and follow their instructions. Merck Manual electrical injuries · Mayo Clinic electric shock first aid
Can an electric shock be serious without a burn?
Yes. Internal injury or heart rhythm problems can occur without obvious skin damage. Merck Manual electrical injuries · Mayo Clinic electric shock first aid
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
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- Jellyfish Sting in Singapore | What to Do at the Beach and When to Call 995
- Dog or Cat Bite in Singapore | How to Clean the Wound and When to See a Doctor
- Cardiac Arrest in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.