[Scan-DC] Fire Department Response-Electrical Accident

[John Antonelli]

We were taught to use a wooden pole to get the person out of contact 
with the power line.  Unless the person was already dead, the only thing 
waiting was going to do was make him that way.  They got the first guy 
out.  Why would they not make heroic efforts for the second one unless 
he was DRT. 

Todd Sniffin wrote:
> John;
>
> Greg is correct.  The FD does not have "ways of getting the power off if the
> need to", otherwise calls to Pepco (or local electric utility) would not be
> necessary.  I'm not sure what you learned in EMT class, but the only two
> methods the FD in this area were taught to remove power was pulling the
> meter if it was a house fire, or using "pepco ropes" (nylon rope with wooden
> handles on each end-used to slide under the downed line and move it off/away
> from the patient.)  Both methods are no longer allowed or taught.   Most
> apparatus do carry "hot sticks", used to detect the presence of electricity,
> but waiting for the utility to arrive on the scene and confirm power is off
> is the norm-even when life is in danger.
>
> As for the the utility's response time, that's pretty standard too.  During
> off hours there are only a few troubleshooter crews on duty.  A 15-30 minute
> response is the norm.  They don't have lights or siren and can't get from
> Point A to Point B any faster  (-;
>
> Todd
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: JOHN ANTONELLI <johnantonelli at verizon.net>
> To: yorkfd at juno.com
> Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:22:42 -0800 (PST)
> Subject: Re: [Scan-DC] Arlington responding to electrocution of two
> You are correct re ther fact tht tey are to assume they are charged but the
> FD does have ways of getting the power off if they need to or to get the
> person out if tey need to.  Heck they taught us how to do it in EMT class.
> The fact that ACFD is not doing that tells he is DRT and that was the
> purpose of my post.
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