How to Save a Person Touching an Electric Wire

Electricity, while a great resource in our everyday lives, can be very dangerous and even fatal if the proper precautions are not used. The current in electricity can travel through the body causing burns, unconsciousness, paralysis, or death. Knowing the proper safety precautions and CPR can save someone's life when someone accidentally comes in contact with an electrical power line or wire.

Things You'll Need

• Wood or plastic pole
• Blanket
• Cold water
• Phone

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Instructions

• 1

  Turn the power off at the nearest control switch or service panel immediately when you identify that someone is in contact with any 'live' or 'hot' electrical wire.

• 2

  Separate them from the electrical wire by using a wood or plastic pole or other non-conductive material that is within immediate reach. Use the pole or other material to pull or pry loose the wire from contact of the person's body.

• 3

  Lay the person flat on his back, once free from the electrical charge, and check for breathing and a pulse. Perform CPR, if you are trained, on the person to resuscitate them.

• 4

  Wrap the person in a blanket if they are in or going into shock to help regulate the body temperature. If he is breathing and has a pulse, yet unconscious, turn him over on his side to allow any fluid buildup in his lungs to drain, and prevent suffocation or choking. If he is conscious, and only suffering from burns, gently soak the burned area in the cold water.

• 5

  Call 911 emergency service and stay on the phone with the technician while you monitor his vital signs.