If a high voltage line falls onto a vehicle, what should firefighters do first?

• A. Turn off the main power at the scene
• B. Communicate to trapped victims that they should remain in their vehicle
• C. Move the vehicle away from the line
• D. Shout to victims to jump clear

Answer: (B)

When a high-voltage line falls on a vehicle, the vehicle can become energized. The first priority is to prevent electrocution by keeping the occupants from creating a path to ground or contacting energized metal. Telling trapped occupants to stay in the vehicle minimizes their risk because exiting or touching the ground could complete a circuit through their bodies.

The utility must de-energize the line, not the firefighters, so turning off power at the scene isn’t the firefighters’ first action. Moving the vehicle could change the electrical path or energize the ground, and shouting for victims to jump clear would put them at serious risk of electric shock. Establish a safe perimeter, keep people away, and communicate that they should stay inside until the line is de-energized and firefighters can proceed with a safe rescue.