First Aid for Electric Shock, Drowning, and Poisoning

Three frightening emergencies where knowing what to do — and what not to do — can save a life. A clear, calm first-aid guide to electric shock, drowning, and poisoning for any bystander.

Some emergencies are terrifying precisely because most people don't know what to do — and doing the wrong thing can make them worse. Electric shock, drowning, and poisoning are three such situations where a calm, informed bystander can save a life, and where a common instinct (like grabbing an electrocuted person, or making someone vomit) can be dangerous. This is a clear, plain-language first-aid guide to these three emergencies. It's awareness to help you act — not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or emergency services.

The Universal First Step

Always: ensure your own safety, then call for help In any emergency, first make sure you are safe (you can't help if you become a second casualty), then call emergency services (in India, 112 or 108). For all three of these, professional help is essential — your first aid buys time until it arrives.

Electric Shock

The critical rule: do NOT touch the person while they are still in contact with the electricity — you'll be shocked too.

  1. Switch off the power at the source if you can (mains/plug), or
  2. If you can't, use a dry, non-conductive object (wooden broom handle, plastic) to separate them from the source — stand on something dry
  3. Once safe, call emergency services
  4. If they're not breathing, start CPR (see our CPR guide)
  5. Cover any burns with a clean cloth; don't apply creams
  6. Even if they seem fine, they must be checked by a doctor — electrical injury can cause hidden harm, including to the heart
High-voltage is different For high-voltage electricity (power lines, substations), do not approach at all — the current can jump. Keep everyone well back and call the emergency services and power authority. Only trained professionals should deal with high-voltage sources.

Drowning

  1. Get the person out of the water safely — reach or throw something to them rather than jumping in if you're not a trained/strong swimmer (don't become a second victim)
  2. Call emergency services immediately
  3. If they're not breathing, start CPR without delay — for drowning, rescue breaths are especially important if you're trained; otherwise do chest compressions
  4. If breathing, place them on their side and keep them warm
  5. Everyone who has been rescued from drowning must see a doctor, even if they seem recovered — breathing problems can develop hours later

Poisoning

Poisoning can be from swallowed chemicals, medicines (overdose), pesticides, or household products — very relevant with young children.

  1. Call emergency services / a poison helpline immediately — and try to identify what, how much, and when
  2. Keep the container/substance to show the medical team
  3. Do NOT make the person vomit unless specifically told to by a professional — with some substances (like corrosives or petroleum products) vomiting causes more harm
  4. If they're unconscious but breathing, place them on their side; if not breathing, start CPR
  5. For chemical on skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of water
Don't induce vomiting A dangerous old instinct is to make a poisoned person vomit. For many substances this causes more damage on the way back up, or risks it entering the lungs. Do not induce vomiting or give anything to eat/drink unless a medical professional tells you to. Prevention matters too: keep medicines and chemicals locked away from children.

When to See a Doctor

All three of these are emergencies — call 112/108 every time, and anyone affected needs medical assessment even if they appear to recover, because serious effects can be delayed. The best preparation is a proper hands-on first-aid course (and knowing CPR), plus prevention at home: safe wiring, supervision around water, and locking away medicines and chemicals. An online consultation can't handle an emergency, but can advise on home safety and prevention. Knowing these steps means you could be the person who acts correctly when it counts. (See our guides on CPR, choking, seizures, burns, and a home first-aid kit.)

A note on sources General awareness education based on trusted first-aid sources (Mayo Clinic, NHS, Red Cross/St John). It is not a substitute for a certified first-aid course; in an emergency, always call emergency services.

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