During an electrical shock incident, which tool should be used to remove the victim?

During an electrical shock incident, which tool should be used to remove the victim?

• A. A wooden cane or non-conductor to remove the victim.
• B. A metal rod.
• C. Your bare hands.
• D. A knife.

Answer: (A)

When a person is in contact with an electrical source, your first goal is to avoid becoming part of the electrical circuit yourself. The safest way to remove them is to use a non-conductive object, such as a wooden cane, to push or pull them away from the source. A wooden cane won’t conduct electricity, so you can create separation without providing a path for current to travel through you. If you can safely switch off the power first, do so; otherwise, use the non-conductive tool to break contact and move the victim to safety while keeping your distance from the source. Using a metal rod is risky because metal conducts electricity and could deliver a shock to you. Touching the victim with bare hands would also create a current path through your body. A knife is a metal object that conducts electricity and can cause additional injury, so it’s not a safe choice. After the person is separated from the source, seek emergency help and begin appropriate first aid if trained.

When a person is in contact with an electrical source, your first goal is to avoid becoming part of the electrical circuit yourself. The safest way to remove them is to use a non-conductive object, such as a wooden cane, to push or pull them away from the source. A wooden cane won’t conduct electricity, so you can create separation without providing a path for current to travel through you.

If you can safely switch off the power first, do so; otherwise, use the non-conductive tool to break contact and move the victim to safety while keeping your distance from the source.

Using a metal rod is risky because metal conducts electricity and could deliver a shock to you. Touching the victim with bare hands would also create a current path through your body. A knife is a metal object that conducts electricity and can cause additional injury, so it’s not a safe choice.

After the person is separated from the source, seek emergency help and begin appropriate first aid if trained.