Challenges With Traditional Rescue Tools for Electric Shock

Using traditional rescue sticks or hooks to rescue an electric shock victim can bring additional risks and complications due to the nature of electrical incidents and the limitations of these tools.

Here are some potential issues that can arise when attempting to use rescue sticks in emergency situations:

1. Delayed response: Engaging with rescue sticks can cause a delay in responding to an electric shock victim, potentially reducing the chances of a successful outcome, especially if the victim requires immediate medical attention or CPR.
2. Not readily accessible: Rescue sticks may not be at hand when an emergency occurs, further delaying critical response time and increasing the severity of the injuries.
3. Inadequate insulation: Rescue sticks are designed to provide electrical insulation, but they may not always be effective in preventing electrical current from reaching the victim or rescuer. If there are electrical faults or weaknesses in the tool or if it's used improperly, the insulation may fail.
4. Lack of maintenance: Rescue sticks that have not been dielectrically tested every two years, or properly pre-use inspected prior to each use, may be damaged and can't be relied upon in an emergency situation.
5. Misalignment: Properly aligning and engaging rescue sticks with the victim can be challenging, especially if the victim is unconscious or in an awkward position. A misalignment could result in electrical contact, posing a risk to both the victim and the rescuer.
6. Lack of access: In some cases, it may be difficult to physically reach the victim with a rescue stick due to obstacles, limited space, or other obstructions, making it impractical for the rescue.
7. Victim mobility: Electric shock victims may be in an incapacitated state, which can make it challenging to manipulate them with a rescue stick effectively. Moving a victim without proper care can cause further harm or exacerbate their injuries.
8. Specialized training: Using rescue sticks requires specific training, and not all responders may be adequately trained or experienced in their use. In a high-stress situation, such as an electric shock rescue, inadequate training can lead to errors or accidents.
9. Equipment failure during use: Rescue sticks are mechanical tools and can malfunction or break under certain circumstances. An equipment failure in the middle of a rescue can be catastrophic.
10. Electrical system instability: Electric shock incidents often occur in the presence of live electrical systems that may be unstable or unpredictable. Engaging with a rescue stick in such an environment can exacerbate the risk of an electrical fault or other unexpected issues.

While rescue sticks have their place in electrical safety, using them to directly rescue electric shock victims can come with additional risks and may not be the most practical or efficient approach.

Next Generation in Rescue Devices

A far superior and more effective solution in rescuing an electric shock victim is the use of a device built into the arc flash suit that is always readily accessible should an incident occur.

An example of a built-in device is Oberon's Escape Strap, which is a non-conductive Kevlar rope sewn in a continuous loop as a harness onto the inside of the arc flash suit coat that extends 10' out of the back of the suit.

Benefits of a built-in rescue device include:

1. Immediate accessibility: The built-in rope of the escape strap is readily available within the arc flash suit, allowing rescuers to quickly access it in an emergency. It tucks away easily into a pocket on the back of the arc flash suit when not in use.
2. Rapid deployment: The strap can be deployed swiftly, saving crucial time when rescuing an electric shock victim, especially when the situation requires a prompt response.
3. Strength and durability: Kevlar is known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it a reliable material for constructing the escape strap, ensuring it can withstand the stresses of a rescue operation. Oberon's Escape Strap provides a tensile strength rating of >3,500 lbs.
4. Electrical insulation: Kevlar is an insulating material, which can help protect both the rescuer and the victim from electrical contact during the rescue.
5. Versatile length: The Oberon Escape Strap extends 10' from the arc flash suit, allowing for versatility in different rescue scenarios, such as reaching victims at varying heights or locations.
6. Easy to use: The strap's design is very user-friendly, making it easy for rescuers to handle and operate, even in high-stress situations.
7. Easy to manipulate: The strap's flexibility allows for easy manipulation, despite potential obstacles, limited space, or other obstructions.
8. Communication device: The strap can be used as a communication device when held by a secondary worker standing nearby who needs to provide non-verbal signals.
9. Cost-effective rescue device: The Oberon Escape Strap can be purchased with new arc flash suits, or is available separately in a vest format to wear with existing arc flash PPE and is far less expensive than the purchase of a rescue stick.
10. No testing required: As the escape strap is a built-in device, it can and should be pre-use inspected along with the rest of the arc flash PPE before every use, however the rope never requires interval testing like a rescue stick does, further saving on long-term electrical safety PPE, tools and equipment costs.

A built-in rescue device like an escape strap, constructed with Kevlar and integrated directly into the arc flash suit, offers a far superior, practical, and cost-effective solution for electric shock victim rescue when compared to a rescue stick.

The escape strap stands out as a safer, more reliable, and more efficient rescue tool, streamlining the rescue process and surpassing the limitations of the rescue stick in electric shock emergency scenarios, ultimately saving more lives and minimizing costs associated with additional specialized training and equipment.

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