E-Prep Merit Badge

Don’t Touch: Never touch the person or the live wire directly, as electricity can pass through them to you.

Shut Off Power: If possible, immediately cut the electricity at the circuit breaker or fuse box to stop the current. This is the safest way to intervene.

Use Insulated Objects: If turning off the power isn’t an option, use a dry, non-conductive object like rubber, plastic, or wood to move the wire or separate the person from the electrical source. Stand on a dry, insulated surface while doing this.

Call Emergency Services: Once the person is no longer in contact with the electricity, seek professional medical help immediately. Only provide first aid that is safe to perform until responders arrive.

Perform CPR if Trained: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, and there is no ongoing electrical danger, begin CPR if you are trained.

Recognize the Risk: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health issues quickly. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Stay Out: If you suspect a CO buildup, do not enter the building. Since CO cannot be seen or smelled, entering could be life-threatening.

Call for Help: Immediately contact emergency services and inform them of a possible CO leak so they can respond with proper equipment.

Ventilate Safely: If possible, open doors or windows from the outside to improve airflow, but only if it can be done without stepping inside.

Assist First Responders: When emergency personnel arrive, provide details about the building’s layout and the possible location of affected individuals to aid in rescue efforts.

Get Medical Care: Once removed from the CO-exposed area, victims may need oxygen treatment and should be taken to a medical facility for further evaluation.

Stop: Moving can intensify the flames. Calmly instruct the person to stay still.

Drop and Roll: Instruct the to drop to the ground and roll back and forth to smother the flames by cutting off oxygen.

Extinguish with a Cover: If rolling isn’t enough or the person cannot roll, use a heavy, non-flammable material like a thick jacket, blanket, or fire blanket to smother the flames. Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they can melt and worsen injuries.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe space between yourself and the flames, using the blanket or jacket as a barrier.

Call 911: Once the fire is out, contact emergency services immediately. Burns can be serious even after the flames are extinguished.

Provide Basic Care: While waiting for help, keep the person calm and cover them with a blanket to maintain body heat. Do not apply creams, ointments, or ice to the burns.

Reach: If the person is near the shore or edge, extend a long object like a branch, pole, or rope. Lie down if needed to prevent being pulled in, and have them grab the object to be safely pulled in.

Throw: If they are out of reach, toss a life-saving device such as a life ring, rope, or any floating object. Aim close enough for them to grab easily.

Talk: Keep them calm by giving clear, reassuring instructions. Guide them on how to use the object for support and safety.

Tow: If they are unresponsive and you have a rope, carefully loop it around them and gently pull them in, ensuring not to cause injury.

Call for Help: Alert others immediately or call emergency services. In drowning situations, every second counts.

Ice Rescues: If someone falls through ice, never step onto it yourself. Instead, use the “reach or throw” method from solid ground. Encourage the person to kick their legs while being pulled, helping them slide onto the ice and out of the water.