Electrical burns, including lighting strike, are often associated with other injuries including involvement of the cardiac and respiratory systems, loss of consciousness and trauma.

The priorities in the management of the electric shock victim are to:

• Isolate/turn off the power supply without touching the victim.
• Commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation if required.
• Cool burns if safe to do so, with cool running water for 20 minutes.
• Give oxygen if trained to do so.
• Call an ambulance.

If struck by lightning, this may cause cardiac arrest. Immediately commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation.