How to Use an Insulated Rescue Hook

Electrical shock is dangerous, and trying to rescue someone who is being electrocuted can result in current passing through the victim and killing the rescuer instead. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, even common power tools can deliver currents up to 30 times stronger than what is needed to kill if they suffer an electrical or wiring failure that results in shock. Because of the dangers associated with the rescue of electrocution victims, an insulated rescue hook can mean the difference between saving a life and becoming a victim yourself. These hooks are generally mounted on the wall near electrical wiring in factories or in any industrial building with large amounts of electrical equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Insulated rescue hook
• Gloves of rubber or other nonconductive material (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Shut down the source of electricity if possible.

• 2

  Grab the insulated rescue hook firmly by its handle, making sure to hold only the handle portion during the rescue. The handle is the 6 to 8 foot long fiberglass portion of the hook, as opposed to the insulated or coated wide hook on the end. Wear gloves of rubber or another nonconductive material if they are available to further protect against the risk of electrocution.

• 3

  Loop the wide hook end of the insulated rescue hook around the victim's torso if possible. If you cannot get the hook secured around his torso, loop it around an arm or other appendage with which you can roll or drag them. Do not loop the hook around the neck.

• 4

  Pull firmly on the handle to drag or roll the victim away from the source of the electricity. Use several pulls if necessary to make sure that the victim is clear of the source of the current.

• 5

  Check for a pulse or other signs of life and contact emergency medical personnel immediately.