2 women electrocuted trying to help at a crash scene

[BoomerD]

Stupid people do stupid things, even under the guise of trying to do something good.

It's a rescuer's first duty evaluate the situation, look for hazards to the rescuer FIRST, then for the victim, but to protect himself before attempting any rescue. (otherwise, the next batch of rescuers now has more victims to deal with)

 

[Ns1]

sux, right near me too.

 

[DrPizza]

48,000 volts? Um, no.

And even if the line were 48,000 volts, voltage is a difference measured between two points. That's 48,000 volts with respect to ground. Think of it as a numberline. Some place, is zero, and at the wire is 48,000 (or whatever it actually was.) If you're standing somewhere on that numberline, say with one foot on the 100 and the other foot on 200, then the "voltage" you experience is 100 volts. Since the human body (more salts) is a better conductor than tap water, the current will take that path.

This is also why if you're out in the middle of a field during a lightning storm, you should crouch down low, feet together, rather than lay on the ground. With your feet together,you're at just one point on that number line.

 

[z1ggy]

480v is common and sounds more likely.

Few years back when I worked for a utility company contractor, the majority of the wye connected distribution lines ( the 3 wires you see running along the top of the poles) were something 3.4 or 4.8kV ( don't remember exactly). Delta circuits were different and were generally a bit higher.

Either way, anything over like 400V can seriously ruin your day.

 

[z1ggy]

This is also why if you're out in the middle of a field during a lightning storm, you should crouch down low, feet together, rather than lay on the ground. With your feet together,you're at just one point on that number line.

Not to start a pissing match here, but why does that matter? If lightning hits your hand, its taking the shortest path to ground..It doesn't care where your feet are. Hopefully that pathway doesn't include your heart.

 

[BoomerD]

Few years back when I worked for a utility company contractor, the majority of the wye connected distribution lines ( the 3 wires you see running along the top of the poles) were something 3.4 or 4.8kV ( don't remember exactly). Delta circuits were different and were generally a bit higher.

Either way, anything over like 400V can seriously ruin your day.

Our electrical utility companies have 72,000 volt primary circuits at the tops of the poles. The transformers knock them down to the secondary voltages that are used by the end consumer.

 

[Baked]

If only George Carlin's still alive...

Note to self, always wear a rubber bodysuit when helping people who're stranded near water and downed power line.

 

[Number1]

Not to start a pissing match here, but why does that matter? If lightning hits your hand, its taking the shortest path to ground..It doesn't care where your feet are. Hopefully that pathway doesn't include your heart.

DrPizza has it tight. The point is that if there is a near miss, there will be a high voltage spread in the ground you are standing on. Your feet close together will minimize the voltage difference between your feet and reduce the current going trough you, possibly saving your life.

Any questions?

 

[BoomerD]

As the crane operator for an electrical utility, the safety department always stressed that should the crane contact the primary lines, anyone standing near the crane should move away by shuffling their feet...never actually lifting their feet from the ground because of the differential.

http://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/custpubs/ElecSafetyCon206.pdf
(page 16)

 

[PowerYoga]

I always thought its the amps that matter, not the volts. I know there's a correlation but you can have a low voltage high ampere shock that can still kill you, right?

 

[Chiropteran]

I always thought its the amps that matter, not the volts. I know there's a correlation but you can have a low voltage high ampere shock that can still kill you, right?

That is true.

Static electricity is 20,000+ volts, but obviously harmless. You need a certain level of amperage before it gets dangerous.

http://www.livescience.com/4077-shocking-truth-static-electricity.html

 

[vshah]

I always thought its the amps that matter, not the volts. I know there's a correlation but you can have a low voltage high ampere shock that can still kill you, right?

the voltage differential through you to ground has to be high enough to allow the current to pass through your body. but even small amounts can be dangerous if they pass through your heart etc.

 

[MotionMan]

Stupid people do stupid things, even under the guise of trying to do something good.

It's a rescuer's first duty evaluate the situation, look for hazards to the rescuer FIRST, then for the victim, but to protect himself before attempting any rescue. (otherwise, the next batch of rescuers now has more victims to deal with)

NO TIME FOR BACKUP!!!

/AdamCarolla

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

sux, right near me too.

Yeah? We are South of the accident scene. You?

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

I always thought its the amps that matter, not the volts. I know there's a correlation but you can have a low voltage high ampere shock that can still kill you, right?

Made me think of this:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091875/quotes?qt=qt0401713

(Looking for video)

MotionMan

 

[Mixolydian]

Few years back when I worked for a utility company contractor, the majority of the wye connected distribution lines ( the 3 wires you see running along the top of the poles) were something 3.4 or 4.8kV ( don't remember exactly). Delta circuits were different and were generally a bit higher.

Either way, anything over like 400V can seriously ruin your day.

Yep, but for lighting circuits, usually 480v is the highest voltage used.

 

[twinrider1]

write a letter then. Are you the guy that posts all the spelling and grammar issues in your local papers article comment's section? Do you realize many are just Associated Press reprints?

get a life.

Pardon me for expecting a solid vocabulary from people that write/edit for a living. This is ATOT, so I don't bust your chops for your apparent lack of concern for the correct use of the apostrophe. But I expect more from a professional.

 

[DrPizza]

Not to start a pissing match here, but why does that matter? If lightning hits your hand, its taking the shortest path to ground..It doesn't care where your feet are. Hopefully that pathway doesn't include your heart.

If the lightning strikes you, you're somewhat screwed, though if I recall correctly, 5 in 6 "struck" by lightning survive. I'm talking about a strike nearby.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Ouch that sucks.

I'm going to guess that this "lamp post" was also carrying high voltage lines. But could possibly be 480 which is more than enough to get electrocuted especially when water is involved to ensure a better contact with the skin.

As much as it's tempting to be the hero, it's really best to keep it to the experts especially when a danger such as electricity is involved. The hydro company would normally come in and shut the power before the paramedics and fire dept are even allowed to go rescue.

 

[amdhunter]

One woman kills herself from crashing and the other one kills herself by helping.

 

[OCGuy]

Did anyone say "shocking" yet?

 

[Dumac]

Did anyone say "shocking" yet?

It was in the first reply, but god edited out due to fear of backlash.

 

[amdhunter]

It was in the first reply, but god edited out due to fear of backlash.

SandEagle is god? D:

 

[OCGuy]

It was in the first reply, but god edited out due to fear of backlash.

I'm not on as much, is that considered "over the line" now? Insensitity (as long as it wasn't racial or misogynistic) was half of the humour on here...

 

[Balt]

Very sad.

Sometimes emotion and a desire to help those who are in danger overpowers our logic and caution. Even as a rather stoic person, I've been guilty of this a couple of times myself.