The Danville Fire Department was dispatched to a medical call with the possibility of three people electrocuted. Engine 5 arrived on scene and found two people lying on the ground with a third sitting on the ground. Both of the patients lying on the ground were found to not have a pulse and were not breathing. They started CPR on patient #1 and he regained a pulse and breathing within a minute. The automated external defibrillator (AED) was attached to patient #2. The AED analyzed the patient and shocked him one time. He quickly regained a pulse and breathing resumed. Both patients were then monitored and care was transferred to ambulances when they arrived. Patient #3 was awake but disoriented.
The Danville Life Saving Crew responded with two transports. Regional One EMS responded with one ambulance and an Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicle. The DFD initially responded with one engine. A second engine was dispatched with a chief officer and a safety officer.
The patients were shocked while moving a ladder against a house. The ladder slipped and struck an electric high voltage line that runs parallel to the house. They were all on the ground when this occurred.
Patients #1 and #2 have been transferred from Danville Regional Medical Center to the UNC Burn Center via air transport. Patient #3 remains at DRMC.
Brian K. Alderson
Battalion Chief
