A child sticks scissors into an electrical outlet. What should you do first?

• A. Locate and turn off the circuit breaker
• B. Pull the child away by the arms
• C. Splash water on the outlet
• D. Check for burns and continue

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the immediate priority in an electrical injury is to stop the electrical current. Turning off the circuit breaker cuts the power to the outlet, removing the danger so you can safely approach and help the child without risking a shock yourself. Other actions would keep the danger present or cause further harm: pulling the child away by the arms can transfer current or injure you, splashing water creates a better conductor and increases the risk of electrocution, and checking for burns while the power is still on doesn’t address the ongoing danger and wastes precious time. After the power is off, you can assess the child’s condition, call for medical help if needed, and provide appropriate first aid. If the child is unresponsive, perform CPR if you are trained.