Req 4 — Dangerous Situations

Each of these four situations is life-threatening — and in every case, the most important rule is the same: do not become a second victim. A rescuer who gets hurt or killed cannot help anyone. Every technique in this requirement is designed to keep you safe while you help someone else.

4a. Live Household Electric Wire

Electricity can kill instantly. A person who is touching or near a live wire may be unable to let go because the electric current causes muscles to lock up. If you touch them directly, the current will flow through you too.

How to help safely:

1. Do not touch the person while they are in contact with the wire.
2. Disconnect the power if possible — unplug the appliance, flip the breaker, or turn off the main power switch.
3. If you cannot disconnect the power, use a dry, non-conductive object (wooden broom handle, rubber-soled shoe, thick rope, dry towel) to push or pull the person away from the wire or push the wire away from the person.
4. Stay dry. Water conducts electricity. Do not stand in water or on wet ground near a live wire.
5. Call 911 and begin first aid once the person is clear of the electrical source.

4b. A Structure Filled with Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because it is colorless and odorless. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. It is produced by anything that burns fuel — furnaces, gas stoves, generators, car engines, and fireplaces. Breathing CO causes confusion, unconsciousness, and death.

How to help safely:

1. Do not enter the structure without fresh air. If you walk into a CO-filled building without protection, you will be overcome within minutes.
2. Open doors and windows from the outside if possible to ventilate the area.
3. If the person is near the door, reach in and pull them out while holding your breath — but only if you can do it in seconds.
4. Call 911 immediately. Firefighters have self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to enter CO-filled structures safely.
5. Move the person to fresh air once they are out of the structure.
6. Begin CPR if the person is not breathing.

4c. Clothes on Fire

When a person’s clothes catch fire, panic is their worst enemy. People instinctively run, which fans the flames and makes the fire worse. The correct response is universally known — but many people forget it in the moment.

How to help safely:

1. Stop the person from running. Shout “STOP!” and physically block them if you can do so safely.
2. Get them to drop to the ground. This takes the upright flame pattern away from their face.
3. Roll them on the ground to smother the flames. If a blanket, coat, or rug is nearby, throw it over them to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply.
4. Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water once the fire is out.
5. Call 911 for any significant burns. Do not remove burned clothing that is stuck to the skin.

If YOUR clothes catch fire:

• Stop — do not run
• Drop — fall to the ground
• Roll — roll back and forth to smother the flames
• Cover your face with your hands to protect your airway and eyes while rolling

4d. Drowning — Nonswimming Rescues

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death. A drowning person is in a state of panic and will grab onto anything — including you. Swimming rescues should only be attempted by trained lifeguards. For everyone else, the safe approach is: Reach, Throw, Row — Don’t Go.

Reach: Extend something to the person — a pole, branch, paddle, towel, or belt. Lie down on the dock or bank to brace yourself so you do not get pulled in.

Throw: Toss a flotation device — a life ring, throw bag, cooler, or even a sealed empty jug — to the person. Aim beyond them so the rope or the current carries it to them.

Row: If a boat is available, row or paddle out to the person. Approach carefully and extend something for them to grab. Do not let them climb into the boat — they can capsize it. Have them hold on while you tow them to safety.

Don’t Go: Do not swim out to a drowning person unless you are a trained lifeguard with proper equipment. A panicking person will push you underwater.