
Randall Champion accidentally touched a high-voltage line, electrifying himself and stopping his heart. A fellow linemen J.D. Thompson performed mouth-to-mouth CPR until paramedics arrived. Champion survived. This famous photo is known as “The Kiss of Life.” (1967).
Photo by Rocco Morabito.
Randall Champion Accidentally Touches High-Voltage Line, Electrifying Himself
Randall Champion was out walking one day when he accidentally touched a high-voltage line, electrifying himself. This type of accident can be extremely dangerous, and it is important to be aware of the risks and know what to do if it happens to you. In this article, we will discuss what happens when someone touches a high-voltage line, the possible risks, and the steps to take if it happens to you.
What Happens When Someone Touches a High-Voltage Line?
When someone touches a high-voltage line, the electric current passes through their body. This can cause severe burns, shock, and even death. It is important to note that the risk of injury increases with the voltage of the line. The higher the voltage, the more severe the shock and the greater the risk of injury.
Risks of Touching a High-Voltage Line
When someone touches a high-voltage line, they can suffer from a variety of risks. The most common risks include:
- Electric shock: Electric shock occurs when the body is exposed to an electric current. It can cause burns, muscle spasms, and even death in extreme cases.
- Thermal burns: Thermal burns can occur when someone touches a high-voltage line. These burns can be very severe and cause permanent damage to the skin.
- Cardiac arrest: Cardiac arrest can occur when someone is exposed to an electric current. It can lead to cardiac arrest and even death.
It is important to note that the risks of touching a high-voltage line are increased if the person is wearing wet clothing or is standing in water. This is due to the increased conductivity of the water, which can cause the current to flow more easily through the body.
Steps to Take If Someone Touches a High-Voltage Line
If someone touches a high-voltage line, it is important to take the following steps:
- Turn off power: If possible, turn off the power to the line. This will prevent the electric current from flowing through the body and causing further injury.
- Call for help: Call for help or have someone call for help. It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Do not touch the person: Do not touch the person who has been electrocuted as they may still be carrying an electric current. Wait for help to arrive.
- Provide first aid: Provide first aid to the person who has been electrocuted. This can include applying a cold compress to the burned area and providing CPR if necessary.
People Also Ask
What happens if you touch a high-voltage line?
If someone touches a high-voltage line, the electric current passes through their body. This can cause severe burns, shock, and even death. It is important to note that the risk of injury increases with the voltage of the line.
Can you survive touching a high-voltage line?
Yes, it is possible to survive touching a high-voltage line. However, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible as the risks of injury are increased with the voltage of the line.
What should you do if someone touches a high-voltage line?
If someone touches a high-voltage line, it is important to take the following steps: turn off power, call for help, do not touch the person, and provide first aid. It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible.