(h) Muscle lesions.
(i)
Delayed hemorrhage.
(j)
Gastric or duodenal ulcers.
(k)
(l)
Acute kidney failure.
(10) Pregnancy. In a pregnant woman, the fetus is susceptible to electric
current since the placenta and amniotic fluid provide little resistance. Even a minor
shock can be serious to a fetus. Any pregnant woman who has sustained a shock no
matter how small must be transported to the hospital.
e. Protecting Yourself During Rescue. Be very careful when you attempt to
help a victim of electrical current. Sites of electrical accidents are very hazardous! To
protect yourself, follow these guidelines:
(1) Look. Look for downed wires whenever the accident involves a vehicle
which has struck a power pole.
NOTE:
To determine whether a downed wire might be hidden in the grass or brush,
carefully look at the next pole down the line. Count the number of power lines
at the cross arm. There should be the same number of lines at the top cross
arm of the damaged pole as at the top cross arm of the next pole. If there are
not, inspect the area closely for downed power lines.
(2)
Moving downed wires. Never attempt to move downed wires.
(3) Radio for help. Radio for help from the power company immediately
upon entering the scene of a downed power line.
(4) Downed line across vehicle. If a downed power line is lying across a
wrecked vehicle, do not touch the vehicle--even if the victims inside are seriously
injured. If the victims are conscious, tell them not to leave the vehicle. If they touch the
ground and the car at the same time, the electric current will kill them.
(5) Downed line not on vehicle. If a downed power line is in the area but is
not near or touching the vehicle, proceed as usual with extrication of the persons inside.
(6) Downed line sparking/flipping. If a downed power line is sparking and
flipping around, use extreme caution. If the fire department is on the scene, try to throw
a folded salvage cover or fire hose on the wire. As a last resort, try to roll a spare tire
over the line, but do not touch the tire as it rolls.
MD0576
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