If you discover an unconscious person across a live electric wire, what should your first action be?

The most critical first action when dealing with an unconscious person across a live electric wire is to ensure your own safety before attempting to render assistance. Approaching a victim who is in contact with live electricity poses a significant risk of electrocution. Therefore, it is crucial to first assess the situation and act in a way that prevents further harm.

Breaking the contact between the person and the live wire is necessary to eliminate the ongoing electrical threat to both the victim and the rescuer. However, this should not be done directly or by hand as it could result in injury or death due to the electrical current. Instead, if available, the rescuer should use a non-conductive object (like a wooden stick or similar item) to push the wire away from the person or deactivate the source of electricity if safely possible.

In summary, disconnecting the person from the live wire is the first step, prioritizing safety for both the rescuer and the victim, as it allows for subsequent actions, such as performing CPR or treating for other injuries, to be carried out without the immediate risk of electrocution.