safety system_error ai_generated true

AI advises touching an electrocution victim before power is disconnected, or using a wooden broom to separate the victim from the source

ID: safety/electrical-shock-victim-touch-misconception

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
85%Fix Rate
89%Confidence
1Evidence
2023-10-01First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 (2023) active — — —
AHA CPR Guidelines 2024 active — — —
NFPA 70E 2024 active — — —

Root Cause

Touching an electrocution victim while they are still in contact with live current can cause the rescuer to become part of the circuit and be electrocuted; wooden brooms may not be sufficient if the victim is in contact with water or metal.

generic

中文

在受害者仍接触带电电流时触摸他们可能导致救援者成为电路的一部分而被电击；如果受害者接触水或金属，木扫帚可能不足以保证安全。

Official Documentation

https://www.osha.gov/electrical/hazards

Workarounds

  1. 85% success First, disconnect the power source: unplug the device, turn off the circuit breaker, or use a non-conductive object (dry wooden pole, rubber mat) to push the victim away. Do not touch the victim directly until power is confirmed off. 
    First, disconnect the power source: unplug the device, turn off the circuit breaker, or use a non-conductive object (dry wooden pole, rubber mat) to push the victim away. Do not touch the victim directly until power is confirmed off.
  2. 80% success If the power cannot be turned off, use a dry wooden broom handle or a rubber hose to push the victim's limb away from the source while standing on a dry insulating surface (rubber mat, dry wood). Call 911 immediately. 
    If the power cannot be turned off, use a dry wooden broom handle or a rubber hose to push the victim's limb away from the source while standing on a dry insulating surface (rubber mat, dry wood). Call 911 immediately.
  3. 90% success After the victim is separated, check for breathing and pulse; start CPR if needed. Do not apply water or ointments to burn wounds; cover with sterile gauze. 
    After the victim is separated, check for breathing and pulse; start CPR if needed. Do not apply water or ointments to burn wounds; cover with sterile gauze.

中文步骤

  1. First, disconnect the power source: unplug the device, turn off the circuit breaker, or use a non-conductive object (dry wooden pole, rubber mat) to push the victim away. Do not touch the victim directly until power is confirmed off.
  2. If the power cannot be turned off, use a dry wooden broom handle or a rubber hose to push the victim's limb away from the source while standing on a dry insulating surface (rubber mat, dry wood). Call 911 immediately.
  3. After the victim is separated, check for breathing and pulse; start CPR if needed. Do not apply water or ointments to burn wounds; cover with sterile gauze.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 95% fail

    Touching the victim directly transfers current through the rescuer; even a brief touch can be fatal.

  2. 80% fail

    Using a wooden broom may work if the victim is on a dry surface, but if wet, wood can conduct due to moisture content.

  3. 85% fail

    Pulling the victim by their clothing can still cause contact with skin or metal zippers/buttons, leading to electrocution.