a. Stop the Current, if Practical. If the electrical current can be turned off
quickly, such as flipping a nearby switch, turn off the current first. If it will take more
time to turn off the current than to separate the casualty from the electrical wire, cut off
the electrical current after you have removed the casualty from the current and have
treated the casualty.
CAUTION:
Assume the electrical wire is still carrying electrical current even though
you think you turned off the current. Do not touch the electrical wire or
the casualty as long as he is in contact with the wire. Electrical current
can pass from the wire through the casualty to you.
b. Separate Casualty and Current. You must separate the casualty from the
current before beginning your evaluation of the casualty. Either remove the wire from
the casualty or remove the casualty from the wire. If rubber gloves are readily
available, put them on before moving the wire or casualty.
(1) Move the wire away from the casualty. Stand on a dry surface. Loop a
dry rope, dry clothing, or other material which will not readily conduct electricity under
the casualty's body and lift the casualty from the wire. Have a second person use a
wooden limb or similar nonconductor to move the wire away from the casualty (figure
6-7). Gently lower the casualty to the ground after the wire has been removed.
Figure 6-7. Removing an electrical wire beneath a casualty.
MD0554
6-14