Contact Release – Approach #2

• Forcibly remove the victim in a safe way if the power cannot be disconnected quickly enough. This may mean dislodging, hitting, or prying the victim with a nonconductive item while remaining in a safe location.
• Before getting close: examine the scene looking for other hazards such as stored energy or hot surfaces.
When dislodging a person from a suspected shock condition, use a non-conductive item such as the following:
• Shepherd’s hook
• Plastic trash can
• Air hoses
• Leather belts
• Extension cords
• Rope

Always seek professional medical attention after a significant electrical shock. Warning signs include:
• Severe burns
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Internal damage is not always obvious.