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In our film, student Gareth Hughes received a shock after sticking a fork down his toaster, while trying to free a piece of toast.

We went out onto the streets of Aberystwyth to see whether members of the public would know how to help Gareth.

Suggestions varied from "a good thump in the heart" to making sure our patient was kept warm - although only a few people remembered to shut off the electricity before attempting first aid.

And it soon became clear that although most people had heard of CPR, not many really knew how to do it, with the number of chest compressions administered ranging from two to 45.

It was clearly time for some expert advice, so we called on Iain Bennett, St John volunteer and president of Aberystwyth University's St John Links group.

Iain offered these tips on how to help if you discover someone who has suffered a serious electric shock:

The first-aider's priority when dealing with an electric shock is to make sure the area is safe before treating the casualty.

This can be done by turning off the electricity supply at the mains or by moving the person away from the electricity source using a non-conductive item.

You can then check whether the casualty is responsive, whether their airway is clear and whether they are breathing, by listening and looking for 10 seconds.

If the person is conscious, seek expert medical help anyway, as it is a good idea to get them checked by a professional.

If they are unconscious but breathing, move them gently into the recovery position and call 999.

If they are not breathing, call 999 immediately then start to give CPR.

CPR is done by interlocking your hands and giving 30 chest compressions in the centre of the chest, between the two pectoral muscles, at a rate of about 100 pulses per minute.

You then tilt the casualty's head back gently, by placing one hand on their forehead and the other under their chin, to open the airway, and give two rescue breaths.

Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions to two breaths until either help arrives or the patient revives.

This technique is suitable for adults. For more detail and information on how to treat babies and children, visit the St John website at

Many electric shocks in the home can, thankfully, be avoided.

Make sure you turn off appliances at the mains before attempting repairs, avoid using hairdryers in bathrooms, and don't use electrical appliances with frayed or damaged cables.

Simple steps like these could help you avoid a serious injury.

For information on becoming a St John volunteer in Wales, including their youth groups (aged 5-18), you can call Damian Thomas on 02920 449 507 or email recruitment@stjohnwales.org.uk. No previous first aid knowledge is required.