Someone's had an electric shock

What to do, in order

1. Check for danger to you and anyone else first.
2. Switch off or unplug the power if you can do it safely - turning off the whole supply at the switchboard may be safer. Take extra care in wet areas like bathrooms.
3. If you can't turn it off, move them away from the source with something dry that doesn't conduct electricity, like a wooden broom handle - never with your hands.
4. Call 000. Put the phone on loudspeaker - the operator can talk you through first aid.
5. Check whether they respond and are breathing (DRSABCD). Start CPR if needed.
6. Cool any burns under cool running water for 20 minutes, then cover loosely with a non-stick dressing or cling wrap. No creams or oils.
7. Don't move someone who fell from a height unless they are in further danger.
8. If a powerline is involved, don't go near - wait for the electricity company to make it safe.
9. Even if they seem fine, they need a medical check - heart problems may not show straight away.

Who to call

Electricity, gas and water faults go to whoever owns the network in your street, so only one of these regional numbers is yours. It is also printed on your bill. Find your electricity distributor by postcode.

• Triple Zero (000) 000

  Anyone who has had an electric shock - ask for an ambulance.

• Nurse-on-Call (free health advice, 24/7) 1300 60 60 24

  Health advice from a registered nurse when it is not an emergency.

• CitiPower (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 12 80

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Melbourne's CBD and inner suburbs

• Powercor (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 24 12

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Melbourne's western suburbs, and central and western Victoria out to the SA and NSW borders

• Jemena (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 16 26

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: North and western Melbourne

• United Energy (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 20 99

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula

• AusNet (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 17 99

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Eastern and north-eastern Victoria, and Melbourne's north and east

When you need a electrician

Once everyone is safe, have a licensed electrician find and fix the cause, and don't use the appliance again. If people are getting tingles or shocks from taps or appliances, call your electricity distributor immediately; a licensed electrician must then check the wiring. Renting? A dangerous electrical fault is a legally urgent repair: call your rental provider or agent on the emergency number you were given and confirm it in writing.