High-voltage wires are everywhere and they are not perfect. Sometimes, they are struck by a tree or bad weather blows them down and they come loose, striking someone who is standing in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you were to see someone come into contact with a high-voltage outdoor wire, would you know what to do? Most people have no clue what to do in these situations.
If you do see someone come into contact with an outdoor, high-voltage wire, the first thing you should do is call 911. Second, call the local power company. “But shouldn’t I try to free the person from the wires?” While that would be most people’s natural reactions, it is NOT a good idea. Whatever you do, do not touch the person and do not try to free them from the wires. Instead, stay at least 100 feet from any downed power lines; do not get any closer.
After the Person is Separated from the Electrical Source
After the person has been separated from the electrical source, follow these tips:
- Check the person’s breathing and for a heartbeat. If he or she isn’t breathing, give them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- If their heart is not beating, start CPR if you’ve been trained on doing it.
- The victim should be treated for shock. Do not let them sit up or stand. Instead, have them lie down. If the person is unconscious, lie them on their side so fluids can drain and cover them with a blanket or jacket to help maintain their body heat.
- If you suspect the person has a neck or spine injury, do not move them.
- If the person has any burns, treat the burns by putting the burned body part in cold water. Do not apply any oil or grease to the burn.
- If the victim has any severe burns, cut away clothing and cover the burned body part with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.
We hope you found the information in this article useful. For all of your commercial and residential electrical needs, contact Lighting Bug Electric today!