Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with high-voltage shock, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Someone contacted high-voltage power lines, substation equipment, or railway overhead wire.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay far back. Call 101 and power company. CPR only after power is off.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Victim in contact with overhead line, substation fence, or train catenary.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe burns with relatively small entry wounds.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Arc flash burn pattern on clothing.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — High-voltage contact causes severe internal burns, cardiac arrest, and amputation-level tissue damage.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ground around incident may remain energized until utility confirms shutdown.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout for bystanders to stay back — establish 10 meter zone.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 101 and electricity emergency — high voltage involved.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT approach victim still touching source.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wait for utility confirmation of power off before approach.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Secure area and call professionals. High-voltage rescue is not a civilian task.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 101 and electricity emergency simultaneously if possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 for ambulance once scene is safe to approach.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Give exact location — pole number, substation name, or track milepost.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use water or foam near energized high-voltage equipment.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume victim is dead from severe burns — CPR may still help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT touch ground or equipment near incident.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rescue high-voltage victim quickly by pulling them with rope
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Scene must be de-energized by utility first. Rope contact can still conduct or victim may re-contact line.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Mixed chemicals
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bleach and acid, bleach and ammonia, or other cleaners were mixed and fumes are rising.
CO alarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your carbon monoxide detector is beeping or alarming.
CO poisoning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — People show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning from heater, generator, or enclosed fire.
Child electrical shock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child has touched an electrical socket, bitten a cord, or pulled a live plug.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Once safe and separated, check breathing and pulse if trained.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Start CPR if not breathing — high-voltage often causes cardiac arrest.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Treat for shock — keep warm, do not give food or drink.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All high-voltage survivors need trauma center and burn unit evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Internal injuries exceed visible wounds.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rescuer electrocution and failed rescue.