Final answer:
The initial step in handling an electric shock is to remove the person from the electrical source to prevent further injury. Ensure that the power is cut off or move the person using non-conductive means before proceeding with any further emergency measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question "The first step in treating someone with an electric shock is to:" is d) Remove the person from the electrical source. It is essential to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the victim by disconnecting the power source or moving the victim away from it using non-conductive materials. This should be done before attending to any other injuries like checks for breathing and consciousness, administering CPR, or applying ice to the affected area. Considering the body's conductivity due to its water content, removing the person from the source helps prevent further flow of electric current through the body, especially through vital pathways like the heart.
After the electrical source has been secured, check the victim for signs of breathing and consciousness. If necessary, follow with CPR if you are trained to do so. Always call for emergency medical assistance when managing cases of electric shock, as they can have complex effects on the body. It's important to remember that effects vary depending on factors such as the amount of current, the path taken by the current through the body, the duration of exposure, and the frequency of the current.