(2) Move the casualty away from the wire. If you cannot remove the wire from the casualty (no other soldier available to assist, for example), remove the casualty from the wire. Loop material that will not readily conduct electricity, such as a dry rope, around the casualty's limb and drag the casualty away from the wire. Do not let your body come into contact with the casualty or the wire during the process. 6-16. CHECK FOR BREATHING Electrical shock often renders the casualty unconscious and causes difficulties in breathing and heartbeat. If the casualty is unresponsive, open his airway and check for breathing. If the casualty is not breathing, check his pulse. a. If no pulse is present, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. b. If a pulse is present, administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Continue to check for a pulse every 12 breaths. c. If the casualty resumes breathing on his own, continue with your evaluation. CAUTION:
Never attempt to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until the wire and the casualty have been separated.
6-17. LOCATE ENTRY AND EXIT BURNED AREAS Electrical burns can be deceiving. The burn may not appear to be serious because only a small area of skin is burned. In reality, however, a great deal of damage may have been done to the interior of the casualty's body. Electrical burns involve both an entry burn where the current entered the body and an exit burn where the current left the body. An exit burn may appear on any part of the body and can be in a quite different location from the entry burn. The sole of the foot is a common location for the exit burn. 6-18. EXPOSE THE BURNED AREAS Cut and gently lift away any clothing covering the burned area. a. Do not pull clothing over the burned area. b. Cut around any stuck clothing and apply the dressing over the burned area and stuck clothing. c. If the casualty is wearing jewelry on a burned arm or hand, remove the jewelry in case the limb swells. Put the jewelry in the casualty's pocket.
MD0554
6-15