RESCUE
should take an inventory of all the electrical equipment
in the locker. This equipment will usually consist of
When a victim is unconscious because of an electric
items such as an electrical repair kit, floodlights,
shock, you should start artificial resuscitation as soon as
flashlights with spare batteries, a submersible pump,
possible. Statistics show that 7 out of 10 victims are
casualty power cables and wrenches, extension cords,
revived when artificial resuscitation is started in less
rubber gloves, and rubber boots. After testing all the
than 3 minutes after the shock. Beyond 3 minutes, the
electrical equipment to ensure it is functional and safe,
chances of revival decrease rapidly. The person nearest
stow it in an easily accessible area.
the victim should start artificial resuscitation without
All members of the repair party are responsible for
delay, and call or send others for help and medical aid.
rigging casualty power and tying it to the overhead. The
Before starting artificial resuscitation, free the
repair party electrician is responsible for proper
victim from contact with electricity y in the quickest,
connection to the biscuits (from load to source) and
safest way. (NOTE: This step must be done with
energizing the system. Follow standard safety
extreme care; otherwise, there may be two victims
precautions, wear rubber gloves and rubber boots, and
instead of one.)
stand on a section of rubber matting while making these
If the contact is with a portable electric tool, light,
connections.
appliance, equipment, or portable extension
cord, turn off the bulkhead supply switch or
Tag the casualty power cable at various locations.
remove the plug from its bulkhead receptacle.
Remember, you need to warn all hands of the potential
If the switch or bulkhead receptacle cannot be
danger that exists. A typical warning sign is shown in
figure 1-8.
quickly located, the suspected electric device
may be pulled free of the victim by grasping the
insulated flexible cable to the device and
carefully withdrawing it clear of its contact with
RESCUE AND FIRST
the victim. Other persons arriving on the scene
AID
must be clearly warned not to touch the suspected
The EM's job is risky even under the best working
equipment until it is unplugged. Aid should be
conditions. Although accidents are preventable, you run
enlisted to unplug the device as soon as possible.
a good chance of getting shocked, burned, and being
If the victim is in contact with stationary
exposed to one or more of the hazards described earlier.
equipment (fig. 1-9), such as a bus bar or
If you are at the scene of an accident, you will be
electrical connections, pull the victim free if the
expected to help the victim as quickly as possible.
equipment cannot be quickly de-energized or the
ship's operations or survival prevent immediate
securing of the circuits. To save time in pulling
the victim free, improvise a protective insulation
for the rescuer. For example, instead of hunting
for a pair of rubber gloves to use in grasping the
victim, you can safely pull the victim free (if
conditions are dry) by grasping the victim's slack
clothing, leather shoes, or by using your belt.
Instead of trying to locate a rubber mat to stand
on, use nonconducting materials, such as deck
linoleum, a pillow, a blanket, a mattress, dry
wood, or a coil of rope.
NOTE: During the rescue, never let any part of
your body directly touch the hull, metal structure,
furniture, or victim's skin.
Figure 1-8.--DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE sign.
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